But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. Psalm 59:16-17 ESV

Our verses for this week come from a Psalm (song) written by King David. At the beginning of this Psalm, David asks God to save him from his enemies, to protect him from those who are against him, and to rescue him from evil men.

But even before God can answer David’s prayers, David begins to sing praises to God. David calls God “my Strength” and “my fortress and a refuge.” (a place where we can feel safe and protected.) He talks of God’s steadfast love and how God will help him win over his enemies. David trusts God to answer his prayers and decides to praise God for who He is and how He has taken care of David in the past.

Like David, things don’t always go the way we want them to. But we can follow David’s example and we can decide to praise God even in our troubles. Because God doesn’t change, He loves us, and He always keeps His promises to us.

Here are some verses that tell us about God’s promises to us. When things aren’t going like we want them to, or when we are discouraged, or we just need to decide to praise God, remember these verses and pray to ask God to keep His promises to you.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you a future and a hope. God has good plans for you even when you can’t see them!

2 Corinthians 12:9 My power is made perfect in weakness. Even though we are weak, God’s power can work through us.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good. God can even take the “bad things” in our lives and use them to help us and make us a better person.

Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD, your God, hold your right hand, it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Because God is with us, holding our right hand, we do not need to be fearful.

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. God is always with us helping us to be strong and courageous.

This week, decide to praise God, even when things aren’t going the way we want them to. Praise the Lord for who He is and what He has done for you and will continue to do for you. Talk to your parents, how has God kept His promises to them?

Blessings and strength as you decide to praise God in everything!