Praise and exalt him above all forever

Praise and exalt him above all forever. 

I love the Book of Daniel.   You might know the story of King Nebuchadnezzar throwing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace.   But did you know that this is part of the song they sang as they stood in the midst of the fire?   Even facing certain death, they found reasons to praise God.   It sure puts a different spin on the words “Fire and heat, bless the Lord!”

What “furnace” do you face today?   It’s probably not the flames that these young men experienced, but you can learn from their song of praise.   Like them, you can choose to praise God and bring your feelings into alignment with what you believe.   So let their song be your model:

“Lord, you are the same, no matter what my situation is today.   Let every detail of my life give praise to you.   Let me praise you in every circumstance, every event of my life!

Joy and sorrow, bless the Lord.

My life has its highs and lows.   But whether I am up or down, I will sing your praise.   You are unchanging and glorious.   You are the firm foundation my life is built on.

Cold and chill, bless the Lord.

Father, you don’t change with circumstances.   You sustain me in comfort and discomfort.   Even bad weather can show your glory.   Heat and humidity, bless the Lord too!

Sickness and health, bless the Lord.

Oh Lord, my whole life comes from you.   If I am healthy, I thank you for my health. If I am sick, I trust that you are still with me, giving me your strength and comfort.

Loneliness or accompaniment, bless the Lord.

If I am surrounded by community, I exalt you in your Church.   If I feel alone, I will trust that you stand with me and that my solitude can give you glory.   You have a perfect purpose for everything.

Single or married, bless the Lord.

Lord, you have given me my vocation so that I can glorify you through it.   I will be faithful and fully pursue who you have called me to be.   And if I’m not sure yet, I will praise you while I listen for your call.

word among us