By Kara O’Byrne
The cold hardwood floor under my feet reflected the frigid feeling in my heart. The silent house paired well with the tears slipping unchecked down my cheeks. Each new dawn brought another battle in attempts to rise from the ashes of my broken marriage.
With solutions far from view, my daily uphill climb out of depression was real. I tried to read the Bible, but tears blurred the words. I tried to pray, but the ache in my gut sharpened the dullness in my brain.
The gentle reminder of a mentor drifted through the fog, “Turn on a praise song.” I fumbled for my phone, looking for a song with Jesus in the title.
Initially, the music only played as a backdrop to my melody of misery. Determined to shift my foggy focus, I listened intently to the words.
My outward silence broke, and I joined my vocals to those of the song. My voice strengthened in volume and conviction; the tears slid faster.
My body moved in a semi-graceful dance to the flow of the worship song. Ignoring my inner critic, my pain poured out in passionate praise and worship.
My downtrodden countenance began to change. Instead of despair, hope emerged. Instead of sorrow, the promise of joy surfaced.
When we shift our gaze to our glorious heavenly Father and worship Him for who He is, our complex circumstances lose their sting.
3 Ways the Power of Praise Helps You Endure
Inviting God’s presence into our pain through praise bolsters our spirit and provides the strength to endure. We can persevere through hard times—mentally, physically, and spiritually—through praise in our everyday lives and benefit from it in three ways.
1. Praise improves our mental state.
“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:5 HCSB
The Bible repeatedly gives examples of God’s children offering praise in less-than-ideal situations—like Paul in prison, Daniel in the lion’s den, and David after the death of his child. In Psalm 42, David reminds himself of God’s faithfulness despite his dark feelings.
Giving thanks before circumstances align with our desires may seem like mental gymnastics, but it can become an exercise in faith and a practical way to renew our minds (Phil 4:4–9).
2. Praise affects our physical state.
“Hallelujah! How good it is to sing to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely.” – Psalm 147:1 HCSB
God created all the parts of our body to work together. Exercise, which is essential for our physical health, can also improve our mental health. Praise can become an essential spiritual practice that also provides physical benefits.
Worshipping with physical movement connects our body and emotions, relieving stress and elevating our mood.
3. Praise leads to spiritual victory.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will triumph in Yahweh; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!” – Habakkuk 3:17–18 HCSB
When circumstances aren’t what we hoped, praise can feel like a sacrifice. But when we rejoice in God before a blessing comes, we display trust in the omnipotence of our Father.
This act of faith can trigger transformation. Whether or not our disposition shifts or the circumstances of our lives change, praise empowers us to endure and walk in victory.
3 Biblical Ways to Practice Praise in Hard Times
Choosing to praise God when life is painful can feel fake or even impossible at times. Scripture offers examples of the life-changing power of this practice. Let’s unpack three ways to practice praise when circumstances feel challenging.
1. Gratitude in Prayer
“When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” – Daniel 6:10 HCSB
On the heels of terrifying news, Daniel’s first response was to give thanks and pray like he always did.
This act of prayer was in direct violation of a new decree—not an easy choice for Daniel. But he relied on a well-established prayer routine to get him through a tough time.
By wrapping our prayers in praise and thanksgiving, despite our difficulties, we invite the God of peace into our situation (1 Thess 5:16–18, 23).
Develop a simple praise routine like Daniel. Consider setting an alarm on your phone to prompt you to pray and praise God at the same time every day. Or start each morning with a focus on God’s good gifts—large or small— by listing three blessings from the previous day.
2. Music to Praise
“Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with their tambourines and danced. Miriam sang to them.” – Exodus 15:20–21a HCSB
Miriam left Egypt quickly (Ex 12:33–34), but still grabbed her tambourine. She prioritized musical worship no matter her circumstances.
Whether with an instrument, through your phone, or with your voice, you can use music to praise God for who He is and fuel your faith in the process.
3. Time in Nature
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.” – Psalm 19:1 HCSB
God’s creation is diverse, beautiful, and breathtaking. Our creative God painted a masterpiece to fill our senses and inspire praise.
The book of Psalms models this admiration by meditating on God’s creation (Ps 8:3–4) and gazing on His created beauty (Ps 121:1). Head outside and notice God’s wonders all around you, and take the time to praise Him for them.
Experience the Power of Praise
Despite our broken world, God designed praise as a means to worship Him while rejuvenating our spirits. When we shift our perspective toward God in praise, our faith is renewed and we’re strengthened to endure (Ps 30:11–12).
What is one way you can practice the transforming power of praise in your life today?
Kara O’Byrne
Kara is a wife and mother who has seen the transformative power of God’s redemptive work in her marriage. She loves words and encouraging others with God’s Word. Kara enjoys reading, Disney, family game nights, and serving in various ministries at her church. Connect with her at Renew2Restore on Instagram and Facebook.
