Scripture says we are to be thankful in all circumstances, that this is Jesus’ will for us. At times when thankfulness and gratitude feel completely impossible, God makes a way through what scripture calls a ‘sacrifice of praise.’ Here’s why sacrifices of praise matter, and how such sacrifices can benefit you.
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Transcript:
The people Key Ministry works with often live with exceptional circumstances; the common root of their circumstances is disabilities. Every week, we interact with and pray for people who live with the challenges that come with disabilities, whether it’s unexpected hospitalizations or surgeries and their aftermath; wrestling with insurance companies to get coverage for the medications prescribed by doctors; fighting to get the needed educational supports for their children; or interpersonal challenges that too often arise at church, work or within the family.
I don’t know about you, but the circumstances described above don’t make me feel very happy. When those kinds of things have happened to me and my family, my first reaction more often than not has been a lack of thankfulness. Angry? Check that box. Afraid? Check that one, too. Forgotten by God? Now we’re getting a little too personal.
Scripture says we are to be thankful in all circumstances, that this is Jesus’ will for us. Psalm 34:1 says we are to bless the Lord at all times, that His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Did you note that there are no qualifiers in those scriptures, no asterisks that give you a pass when your circumstances stink?
How does a Christ-follower living with disability-related challenges give thanks in all things? Is it even realistic or possible?
Like the good Father that He is, He makes a way when there seems to be no way. He asks that we offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Him.
The Old Testament is filled with rules and regulations around sacrifice, all pointing to the then-future work of Christ, and the unavoidable reality that every person is a sinner in need of a sacrificing Savior. Ancient followers of Yehovah God and Christians throughout the ages recognize that breaking God’s law invokes a penalty: a payment is needed to correct the wrong, and in so doing restore His rightful authority over my life.
But a sacrifice of praise or thanksgiving? What’s that all about?
From Got Questions: At times when God seems far away, and you can’t see anything resembling goodness, to praise God is actually an act of faith. It requires a personal sacrifice, to lay our will and pride down before Him, to choose to trust Him even when we can’t see His goodness.
Pastor Jack Hayford said, “Why is praising God a sacrifice? The word “sacrifice” (Greek, “thusia”) comes from the root thuo, a verb meaning “to kill or slaughter for a purpose.” Praise often requires that we “kill” our pride, fear, or sloth—anything that threatens to diminish or interfere with our worship of the Lord.
When we bring a "sacrifice of praise, we choose to believe that, even though life is not going as we think it should, God is still good and can be trusted.
When we choose to praise God in spite of the storms, He is honored, and our faith grows deeper.
Our praise of God is not to be based on our opinion of His job performance. And praise is not me rewarding God for the blessings I can see. Real praise continues regardless of circumstances. It flows continually from a worshiping heart in good times and bad, coming from a humble heart that has been purified by fire. It rises from a spirit that has chosen to honor God in spite of the pain that life is causing.
Not surprisingly, scientific studies have shown the benefits of singing: large parts of the brain light up with activity, and ‘feel good’ hormones are released during singing. Joyful singing is a unique feature of the Christian faith, compared to other world religions. Isn’t it just like our good Father to give us instructions that are for our benefit, especially when we are down?
Many years ago, there was a story about a missionary family that impacted me so deeply that I posted it in a prominent location of my home.** The story goes that the missionary couple and their children were harmed—either by an accident of some kind, or an attack by hostile individuals; I don’t recall which. The couple saw at least one of their children die, and were too wounded themselves to do anything to prevent this from happening or to protect their other children or themselves.
Some time passed until help arrived. The husband and wife were each loaded onto gurneys for transport by ambulance to hospital. As they departed the ambulance at the hospital, the wife looked at the husband’s battered face and said, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1, a verse they had spoken many times, over many situations, was repeated, in this horrific incident. After they recovered, not surprisingly, God made a way for them to share this story broadly, a means to continue praising Him and spread His glory—which ultimately contributed to their emotional and spiritual healing.
For me, and maybe for you, it can take a while for my feelings to catch up to my sacrifices of thanksgiving or praise. And that’s okay.
In moments like that, when there seems like nothing worth praising God for or thanking Him for, that’s when we are to rely on His character. His Word and His promises stand, no matter what the storm or circumstances around me look like.
Something really important happens in the spiritual realm when I do what He says, in spite of what my eyes see: it establishes His authority and pushes back against principalities and powers who would love to discourage His followers and prevent them from eventually seeing His grand plan unfold, in my life and in yours.
So wherever you are today—having a great week, so-so, or really rotten—be honest with Him, but praise Him. Speak your praise for Him out loud, with words or song. You might just be surprised how that changes your feelings, perhaps changes those around you, and maybe even changes your situation. He is faithful and true.
**I have searched mightily for this story in my files and online but cannot find it. If you have it or know the names of the missionaries involved, please send it to me so I can give proper citations and correct any erroneous details!
