A Sacrifice of Praise: How to Praise When You're Discouraged

A Sacrifice of Praise: How to Praise When You’re Discouraged

November 5, 2015 By Rachel Leave a Comment

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“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Most of us know that when we’re down and discouraged, we should praise God, and turn to the truth of the Word. The problem I run into is that when I’m really discouraged, — when praise really is a sacrifice — I can read about God’s goodness but my brain retorts, “Yeah, right.”

I know, I know. I know better. In that moment, though, it doesn’t help adjust the thought pattern for me to read about God’s blessings. It just makes me spiral into deeper frustration. So how do you praise God when you’re discouraged, frustrated, or depressed?

For me, I’ve found that if I’m in any deeper a frustration or discouragement than your basic “bad day,” it’s more beneficial for me to read Scripture or sing praise songs that acknowledge the battle, but still also acknowledge that God is God.

“Life stinks, but You’re still God and I’m going to choose to praise You.”

I’ve bumped into a few people lately who seem to have the same struggle, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite verses/passages and songs for this, in case that’s a blessing for someone reading.

A Sacrifice of Praise: Scripture for Difficult Seasons

Psalm 37 It’s too long to post here, but it’s an especially good one when you’re feeling like the wicked are prospering and you’re being punished (by God) for doing the right thing(s).

Habakkuk 3:17-18 is one of my favorites.

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls — yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Hosea 6:1 Yes, this is a little out of context, but we see the same sentiment in Job, so I don’t think it’s abusing it to consider it a more general-purpose principle.

Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.

Isaiah 43:1-3a

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”