A Broken Hallelujah

One thing I have learned, and continue to learn, is the power in praise. Don't get me wrong. There is no power in what I have to offer, but there is something about praising that touches the heart of God so profoundly that the spiritual atmosphere begins to change.

There are times when life is so excruciatingly painful that there is an actual collapse to the floor, curling into the fetal position, weeping uncontrollably and telling God that if He does not step into that very moment you will just lay there and die. Some of you know exactly what I am talking about...you've been there. If you have to think about it...you haven't.

On several such incidents of agony, my precious parents literally walked me through the process of praise. My heart was bleeding, I could barely speak through my searing tears. My mother began.

"Lord, I praise You....say it Steffi." she muttered through her own tears.

"Lord, I praise You."

"Lord, You are worthy...come on Steffi." she continued.

"Lord, You are worthy."

"Jesus, I thank You that things are just as they are...{waiting}...come on, Honey." she urged.

"Jesus, I thank You that....I thank You that...I thank You that things are just as they are. I praise You that You are STILL in control. I thank You that You see what I cannot. I thank You that You are working good out of all that is not...You are worthy, You are worthy, You are worthy..." The Spirit of God began to rise up in me! My circumstances did not change (immediately) but the ability to rise above them did. It is wondrous. It is my God.

Be exhorted, Beloved - Praise Him in ALL and for ALL things! The Psalmist says "He inhabits {lives in} the praise of His people."! Experience the spiritual atmosphere around you change. It is warfare and it is healing to the soul.

I copied the words to a song that has become a favorite of mine. It is from Mandisa's Freedom Album: Broken Hallelujah. I pray it speaks to you the way it does me.

With my love and my sadness
I come before You Lord

My heart’s in a thousand pieces

Maybe even more
Yet I trust in this moment

You’re with me somehow

And You’ve always been faithful

So Lord even now

When all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah
When my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah

Oh Father, You have given
Much more than I deserve
And I have felt Your hand of blessing
On me at every turn
How could I doubt
Your goodness, Your wisdom, Your grace
So Lord hear my heart
In this painful place

Hallelujah I lift my voice
Your Spirit moves
I raise my hands
I reach for You