There’s something powerful about opening your mouth and praising the Lord—especially when you don’t feel like it. Scripture gives us a clear picture of this in the story of Paul and Silas. These two men were spreading the good news of Jesus, doing everything right, and yet they were beaten and thrown into prison (Acts 16).
Most of us have never faced that kind of persecution for our faith. But even if we haven’t been chained in a physical prison, many of us have felt trapped by fear, anxiety, or the weight of our own thoughts. We live in a time of deep mental struggle, where the enemy would love nothing more than to convince us that we are worthless.
God’s Word says otherwise. Before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God knew you. He knew your name, your story, your future. You are deeply loved by the Creator who breathed life into you.
So even when life feels hard, praise Him anyway. Because praise doesn’t just change your circumstances, it changes you.
In His Presence Is Fullness of Joy
When we worship, something shifts inside us. There’s a reason you feel lighter after being in God’s presence. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Joy doesn’t depend on our situation; it’s found in the presence of the Lord. Psalm 91:1-2 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust.”
Those who choose to dwell with God, even through life’s shifting seasons, discover His safety and peace. Scripture says that even when “a thousand fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand,” those who rest in His shadow will find protection and strength.
Take a moment, breathe deeply, and thank God for the life in your lungs. That very breath is proof of His goodness.
Saying “Yes” to God When It’s Hard
When we say “yes” to God, we rarely understand what we’re signing up for. It’s exciting to follow Him, but obedience often leads us through difficult seasons. Those hard times are not punishments. They are opportunities for growth.
Just like muscles must be stretched and strained to become stronger, our faith is exercised through trials. Those who’ve learned to walk with God know that the path isn’t always smooth, but it always leads somewhere good.
You may not see it now, but God is preparing you through the very challenges that seem to be holding you back. Don’t despise the discipline of the Lord; He’s shaping you for what’s ahead.
As the prophet Isaiah wrote, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” God’s plans for you are good, even when the process feels uncomfortable.
Learning to Be Content
In Philippians 4:11–13, Paul writes something powerful from a prison cell:
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in abundance… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Notice Paul’s words: “I have learned.” Contentment doesn’t come naturally; it’s something we grow into. Many of us have learned how to survive, but not how to be satisfied. We think, “If I can just get through this season…” or “If I can just reach the next thing…” Paul teaches us that true contentment isn’t about getting out of a situation. It’s about trusting God in the middle of it.
He says, “I’ve learned the secret.” And that secret is found in the secret place—time spent with God. If you want to hear His voice, draw near. If you want peace, stay close to Him.
Even in success, we need to remember contentment. Some people know how to handle loss but not gain. Prosperity can test our faith just as much as poverty. God calls us to be faithful in both seasons, humble when we have much and thankful when we have little.
The Secret of Every Season
Paul’s contentment came from this truth: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)
Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we can say, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” His rod and staff bring both comfort and correction, guiding us through whatever comes.
And what does Scripture promise? “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.”
Whatever season you’re in right now, whether it’s joyful, painful, or uncertain, God’s goodness is still chasing after you. His plans are still for your good.
Be the Salt
As we move into a new season at New Vision Church, we’re reminded of Jesus’ words: “You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13)
Salt doesn’t do any good when it stays in the shaker. It fulfills its purpose only when it’s poured out, when it adds flavor, preservation, and healing to what’s around it. The same is true for us.
Our theme this year is Multiply.
We multiply when we die to ourselves, when we pour out what we’ve learned, when we let God use our lives to bless others.
So as we enter this next chapter, pray and fast. Ask God what He wants to teach you, and what He wants you to give. Because growth always leads to multiplication.
Practical Applications
- Praise Anyway. Don’t wait for good circumstances to worship. Praise God in the middle of your storm.
- Stay in His Presence. Make daily time in the “secret place” your priority. Joy is found there.
- Learn Contentment. Let every season, good or hard, teach you something about trust.
- Be Poured Out. Use what God has given you to bless others. Salt fulfills its purpose when it’s shared.
- Expect Growth. Every challenge is a setup for your next step in God’s plan.
No matter your season, God is faithful. Join us at New Vision Church Fayetteville GA and experience the joy of worshiping together.
Sunday Services:
479 Inman Road – 10:00 AM
193 Johnson Avenue – 5:30 PM
Come grow with us. Come praise the Lord anyway.