“You’re not a good Christian because you committed that terrible sin yesterday,” the voice in my head was accusing.
“You confessed it to Me. I have already forgiven you. Walk in my love.”
I had a choice. Would I believe the voice of the enemy bringing me disgrace or the truth of God’s word bringing me forgiveness and joy? Would I hang my head in shame for my actions or rejoice that God forgave me because of Jesus’s blood spilled for my sin?
Although the enemy was attacking my thoughts and emotions, I knew a sure way to combat him. I chose to praise the Lord with my voice. The devil never appreciates hearing about the wonders of God’s love, and so he fled. Like David in today’s Psalm, we can hold our heads high even in the presence of our enemies because God hides us.
Over the years, I have struggled occasionally with feeling down or “blah”. I have learned that when I praise the Lord even when I don’t feel like it, the darkness leaves and my feelings become joyful. Jesus is always worthy of our praise. Worship and praise are powerful weapons against the enemy, bringing joy in hard trials.
Dear Father, please help me to choose to praise you even when I don’t feel like it. Thank you, that you are more powerful than the enemy, and he will run away when I exalt you.
Throughout this day: replace negative thoughts and emotions with praise. Sing along to this song: Victory Chant (Hail Jesus, You’re my King)
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Photo Credit: Tim McClure