Even then ✨

Lately, I've been reflecting a lot on what it truly means to have faith, especially when life throws unexpected challenges my way. We all have those moments when things just don't make sense, right? It's easy to feel lost, confused, or even a little angry. But through it all, I've found incredible strength in a simple, yet profound, principle: 'Even when I don't understand, I will praise you!' This powerful message, deeply rooted in Psalm 34, has become my mantra. For me, 'deliverance' isn't just about being rescued from a dramatic situation; it's often about finding peace and resilience right in the middle of it. It's a spiritual journey, much like a mental and emotional 'crossfit' workout for the soul. When I choose to praise, even when my circumstances are unclear, I feel an internal shift. It's like I'm building spiritual muscles, pushing past the doubt and fear. This isn't always easy, believe me. There are days I wake up feeling overwhelmed, looking at problems that seem insurmountable. But remembering Psalm 34, and specifically the verse that talks about seeking the Lord and being delivered from all fears (Psalm 34:4), brings such comfort. It reminds me that I'm not alone, and that my praise isn't just an emotion, but an act of trust. I remember a time recently, I was going through a particularly tough period. It felt like every door was closing, and I couldn't see a way forward. My initial reaction was worry and frustration. But then, I intentionally shifted my focus. I started to list things I was grateful for, however small, and put on some worship music. It wasn't an instant fix, but gradually, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. This wasn't about denying the reality of my situation, but about choosing where to place my focus and trust. That act of praise, even when I didn't have all the answers, truly delivered me from an overwhelming sense of despair. Psalm 34 has so many gems. It speaks about tasting and seeing that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8), and how those who seek Him lack no good thing. It's a testament to God's constant presence and provision, even when our human understanding falls short. The beauty of it is, this isn't passive acceptance; it's active faith. It's choosing to believe in something greater than your current struggle. Just like those beautiful peach and brown dahlia flowers in the image, which can bloom vibrantly even through challenging weather, our faith can flourish when we choose to praise. It's a continuous process of letting go of control and trusting in a higher plan. This spiritual 'deliverance' practice helps me find strength daily, whether I'm facing small frustrations or major life decisions. It’s about building a foundation of faith so strong that even when storms hit, I can stand firm and continue to praise, knowing that ultimately, everything will work out for good. It's truly empowering to know that even without understanding, I have the power to choose praise and experience a profound sense of peace and strength.