Tested by... Praise?

Tests. None of us like them. Yet, they are important for showing where we are right now and what is needed to take us to where we would like to be. 

My word for the year has been "joy." Slowly, I have been making my way through the Bible looking at passages on "joy," "praise," "rejoice," and "worship." I believe it is going to be a two-year study. 

For those of us with chronic illness, the winter can be even more isolating and challenging. Yet, we still can praise Him. 

Today, I came across a verse in my study that stopped me in my tracks. 

Proverbs 27:21, "The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise."

My brain immediately began a comparison: 

• Crucible - Silver is changed in this intense heat and made into something new.
• Smelter - Purification of gold occurs at high heat in the smelter, separating it from its impurities.
• Praise - Praise tests a man. In the midst of trial or just every day life, will I praise? 
• Job 1:21
• Job 36:24
• Psalm 18:3
• Habakkuk 3:17-19 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I stopped and pondered. How am I doing on my praise test? What will my praise test show throughout this coming winter?? 

How about you? What are your test results in the test of praise? 

Thanking God

November. It is a month of giving thanks. It seems as if it is so easy to forget how much we have to be grateful for. This can be especially true for those with chronic illness or those caring for ones with disability/chronic illness. The mundane tediousness of each day can overwhelm. The hard, day in and day out, quickly becomes a focal point. Medications, weather changes, isolation quickly pile up on us. 

For me, an illness flare has meant taking additional medications that quite frankly can mess with my outlook. I always dread these times. It makes everything look daunting and overwhelming. The medications are needed, but not fun. Moment by moment, I have had to remind myself to focus on God. I do not say that lightly. It is a constant struggle. Yet... God. He is bringing thankfulness in the midst. 

This month in our Home Connections Group, we have been focusing on an attribute of God each day, praising God for who He is and what He has done for us. One thing is standing out to me. God is... worthy, amazing, and awesome. Words fail.

Since November 1, we have looked at the following about God (using a list of praying the names of God as a guide):

• Jehovah: Exodus 3:13-15
• Jehovah-M'Kaddesh: Leviticus 20:7-8
• Infinite: Romans 11:33
• Omnipotent: Jeremiah 32:17, 18, 26, 27
• Good: Psalm 119:65-72
• Love: 1 John 4:7-10
• Jehovah-Jireh: Genesis 22:9-14
• Jehovah-Shalom: Judges 6:16-24
• Immutable: Psalm 102:25-28
• Transcendent: Psalm 113:4-5
• Just: Psalm 75:1-7
• Holy: Revelation 4:8-11

As I meditate on these attributes of God, who He is, and what He does, my perspective begins to change. Our God is able to handle all of the challenges of our days. He is trustworthy and worthy, a perfect, righteous, amazing God. Yes, I have to continue to shift my focus back to Him, but He is right there waiting to give aid and assistance as I think on Him and praise Him! 

I don't know what you are facing today, but I know our God. He is able and eager to help you. He is truly worthy of our praise even in the midst of life's trials!