One of my most favourite hymns is “Sometimes A Light Surprises,” by Williams Cowper; it has been a favourite hymn for over forty years. Let me share the first and last stanzas with you..
Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in His wings;
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.
Though vine nor fig tree neither
Their wonted fruit shall bear;
Though all the fields should wither
Nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice,
For, while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.
It is not always easy to praise God, especially when we are facing difficulties, challenges and hardships. However, we must be determined and deliberate in our efforts, because they will always yield bountiful fruit and blessings in our lives.
I remember when I made the decision to make praising and worshipping God a habit. I heard someone share their testimony of how they loved praising God; that they sang praise whilst doing their house chores, on their way to work, at work, in the bathroom, and everywhere. I was both surprised and impressed, and immediately felt challenged to try it.
Initially, it wasn’t easy to praise God on every occasion, especially when I was feeling low and discouraged. I also kept forgetting and had to constantly remind myself to do so. My relationship with the Father was also not very strong; actually, I was very afraid of Him and even struggled to pray and read my Bible.
Thank God for His abundant grace, things soon picked up, and the time came when, according to my husband, I even began to praise God in my sleep! Apparently, he woke up in the middle of the night and found my arms raised to heaven, although I was fast asleep. (I had worship music playing in the background).
Since then, I have come to experience and agree with the lyrics of another favourite hymn (which is based on Psalm 34)…
Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.
Today, I encourage you to endeavour and determine to praise and thank the Lord, come what may. Today, I ask the Holy Spirit to give you grace and strength to sing to the LORD!
Psalm 104:33 NKJV
“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” AMEN!!!
For Further Reading: Psalm 34; Habakkuk 3:17-19
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)