Worship is the perfect response to difficult times.

The lyrics to Hard Fought Hallelujah resonated with me today.

“I don’t always feel it. But that’s when I need it the most. So, I’ma keep on singing ’til my soul catches up with my song. There’s days when a praise comes out easy, days when it takes all the strength I got.”

When is the perfect time to praise God? When you don’t feel like it, especially if you are in the midst of a battle for your soul, a changed life. Your enemy wants you to stay the same at worst or regress at best.

There are many times in Scripture, however, when Israel was losing a battle that the leadership started praising God. In fact, did you know that the military leaders actually helped King David organize the singers? The singers gathered intel from God through prophesy and thanked and praised God through using harps. (1 Chron. 25:1,3)

Why? One, it focused the warriors on Who was responsible for their victory – the Lord. Seeing the size of the enemy could be discouraging. Yet, being focused on God and what He promised to do brought hope and strength to fight.

And second, praise is an act of faith. When you praise Him, even when you don’t feel like it, and then act on what you are saying about God, victory will be found. Not before.

Feelings can lead to a defeatist attitude. Focused faith, though, can lead to a victorious mindset. Praise is all about what the Lord, not us, can and will do when we trust Him.

Feeling just plain worn out? It’s the perfect time to start praising God for who He is and what He promises to do. Strength is on its way when you do.