A SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
A number of years ago, while working in corporate America I experienced a dramatic training lesson in giving God praise even when I didn’t feel grateful. Shortly after successfully completing a difficult assignment I was transferred to a new department where my next assignment was neither delineated nor were the expectations explained. The job contained too many ambiguous constraints that were difficult for my engineering mind to wrap around.
I should have realized there were some major issues because the person I was replacing burned out in less than six months. I soon recognized I had stepped out of a highly technical position into a pseudo-political job that I was totally unprepared for. Data and facts meant very little on this program unless it supported the department’s views.
Within six months I was in full blown burn out but there were no replacements for me. My tenure in this job continued for a little over two years, even though I had been told they needed me for only six months. It wasn’t long after burn out that I started to wrestle with depression. I pursued leads on other jobs out of that area without success. Here is where the Lord began teaching me new skills to deal with depression and discouragement. I had to make some major changes in my life and learn to trust God in areas that I thought I had already mastered. Once again I was learning how to offer up a sacrifice of praise.
What does it mean to offer up a sacrifice of praise to God? It does seem a little inconsistent to include both sacrifice and praise in the same thought. After all, a sacrifice means to give up something important or valued for the sake of other considerations. And to praise means to express warm approval or admiration of someone or something. To offer up a sacrifice of praise requires a decision to acknowledge and praise God, right in the middle of difficulty and suffering, when we aren’t feeling grateful.
Hebrews 13 talks about how Jesus suffered and was made a sacrifice for us to gain our freedom. In like manner we are also called to suffer like He did, with an attitude of trusting and praising God. “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” Heb. 13:15
Giving God praise is not a matter of feeling good about Him. It is our choice to verbally (fruit of our lips) acknowledge God with praises and gratitude in the middle of whatever life brings. Sometimes it’s hard, but our God is good even when times are not. He does deserve our praise, especially when we don’t feel or see anything to be grateful about.
A sacrifice of praise also entails giving up my right to complain. This is hard because if you are like me, many years have gone into developing the fine art of letting others know just how miserable, unjust, or unfairly you have been treated. Sacrificial praise takes faith and acknowledges that God is wise, even in harsh times. Remember, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. ” Heb. 11:6.
Learning to praise God for what He was doing, right in the middle of that hard time, helped me keep my sanity. Eventually, I was not only able to move to a new research position, but I was changed internally. I was a different man. Although less confident in my own strength (a good thing) I was more secure in God’s provision and wisdom. He taught me a lot about myself and even more about trusting Him. I am grateful for the trials He has taken me through. They’ve help me mature and learn to care for others in deeper ways.
As you are being conformed to the image of Christ, encourage your lips to praise Him with a grateful heart. For no matter what He needs to do to prepare you for your journey ahead, His plans for you are good. (1 Cor. 2)
Bob Hardin
Director – NWBCC
Testimonies
· At times it feels like there’s “something missing” since unloading all the toxic thoughts, emotions, and stress. I’ve been so used to living with a heavy heart – trying to always figure out how to fix my/our problem. I now have a light-heartedness, but discern the importance of staying in the Word and prayer every day to keep those areas filled up with joy and God’s promises. He is my strength.
· God showed me I can stop trying to “please” Him (tiring myself out, exhausted, almost ready to give up on life) and to trust God that He is by my side and we will work on my issues together.
Prayer Needs
· Praise: The IRS Form 990 has been completed and sent, 10 days early. Also, the City of Renton clarified a requirement they had sent; additional taxes are not owed by NWBCC.
· Location: We continue to keep our eyes open for a new office location. The current owners are happy to keep us here but cannot guarantee the space will continue to be available.
· Thank you for standing with us.
“The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problem, with joy.”
Mother Teresa