Happy Valentine's- Getting Through Tuff Times

Happy Valentine's- Getting Through Tuff Times Habakkuk 3:17-19NKJ

Habakkak is physically exhausted and overwhelmed by the thoughts of a Chaldean invasion of his people. However the prophet knew that if everything that was normal and predictable collapsed, Habakkuk decided he would still rejoice. He came to this conclusion- his Lord would judge righteously; therefore, Habakkuk discovered how he could even rest in the day of trouble.

Listen to Habakkuk 3:17-19NKJ 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—18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.19 The Lord God is my strength;He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Here’s the ultimate question, “Is praise appropriate in the hard times? In the dark moments? In sorrow? During indifferences? In the middle of temptation with sin approaching?

Psalm 34:1NKJ I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Habakkuk 3:17-19TM Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted,Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

Again, “Is praise appropriate in sorrow, or during difficult moments in our relationships?” The answer comes from Habakkuk in the last sentence- the answer resounds from the hills- yes!

Definition for Praise: the act of expressing approval or admiration. The state of being approved or admired:

I want to give you 4 ways ‘praise’ will get you through tuff times.

#1. Praise will change your relationship with Christ.

Hebrews 13:15NKJ 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.

Praise will prepare you for miracles presently and, in your future!

#2. Jesus responds to praise!

Remember the story of Blind Bartimaeus? Mark 10:46-52NLT Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. 47 When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” 50 Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

#3. Praise will change your relationship with your spouse and friends.

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.

Billy Sunday once said, “Try praising your wife, even if it does frighten her at first.”

Remember, Just as God responds to praise; every relationship will also.

Listen to Ephesians 5: 22-24NKJ Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

The truth is: the husbands role is far greater than that of his wife.

Marriage or relationships aren’t me driven. (Put yourself into others.)

Marriage or relationships grow through praise.

#4. Deep down- genuine praise will change your reactions to circumstances, and your environment.

You’ll think and see things differently.

Philippians 4:8TM Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

In summary: “Praise will get you through tuff times, and it will develop a new you!”

Benediction.