Tears of Praise

Hello, my name is Suchil Dixon. I share a personal story of hope in today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread, Tears of Praise. Years ago, I cared for my mom as she was in hospice. I thanked God for the four months He allowed me to serve as her caregiver, and I asked Him to help me through the grieving process. I often struggled to praise God as I wrestled with my mixed emotions.

But as my mom breathed her last breath and I wept uncontrollably, I whispered, Hallelujah. I felt guilty for praising God in that devastating moment until years later, I took a closer look at Psalm 30. In David's song for the dedication of the temple, he worshiped God for his faithfulness and mercy. He encouraged others to praise his holy name. Then David explored how intimately God entwines hardship and hope. He acknowledged times of grief and rejoicing, times of feeling secure and being dismayed. His cries for help remain laced with confidence in God. The echo of his praise wove through David's moments of wailing and dancing, grief and joy. As if acknowledging the mystery and complexity of enduring affliction and anticipating God's faithfulness, David proclaimed his endless devotion to God. Like David, we can sing, Lord my God, I will praise you forever. Whether we're happy or hurting, God can help us declare our trust in Him and lead us to worship Him with joyful shouts and tears of praise. Join me as I read today's scripture reading from Psalm 30. I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord, my God, I call to you for help and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead.

You spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord. You, his faithful people, praise his holy name for his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

When I felt secure, I said, I will never be shaken. Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm, but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, Lord, I called. To the Lord, I cried for mercy.

What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Here, Lord, and be merciful to me. Lord, be my help.

You turned my wailing into dancing. You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord, my God, I will praise you forever. Let's pray. Dear God, please help us trust you and praise you as we process our emotions. Help us remember, God, that you understand how we feel, that you know us and that you love us no matter what we're going through. You are so good, God. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.