We hear it recited over and over again that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Yet, some days it is hard to truly think his joy is enforcing our battle armor – especially on rough days. Bitter thoughts, frantic work commitments and the stretch to ‘be all there’ with our families can play its toll.

It is hard to find that joy in all the surrounding factors of life. It is easy to sit weighted down by your troubles. You gasp for air thinking – if only I could rest and find stillness!

Take heart, child of the living God. Allow breath to fill your lungs and breathe in deeply. God orders the steps of those he loves and he showers blessings on the faint of heart. His eyes are on you, child, and he sees your deepest needs.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. – Isaiah 40:49

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. – Isaiah 50:4

There is so much truth in the promise – ‘be still and know that I am God.’ In the stillness and the quiet, God speaks and his peace is attained. Yet, we go about our busy lives forgetting this magnificent reality and are angered when we don’t hear the honey voice of the Lord.

We must try to sing even in the uncertain, low times – the times where we truly feel like we are walking through the valley of death or entombed in a pit with famished lions.

Like Paul and Silas in prison, we must lift our voices and make a joyful noise in our moments of stillness – for it breaks the chains of ruin. In the car, at home in a closet, walking the dog – wherever it is for you. Praise is so sweet to the ears of our Maker. It moves his heart.

Worship is simply giving God his breath back. – Lou Giglio

Praise in the stillness, when no one is around, softens despondent hearts. It lifts stressed souls and lights weary eyes. This should be our blissful place – for our hearts were made to worship the King of Glory.

May we never fret stress, demanding schedules and the hustle of life. May we realize that it is God who is in control. Take the reins sweet Redeemer! Let us seek out stillness and intimacy with you!