"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1
Have you ever had to give God an "anyhow" praise? You may ask, "What's an anyhow praise?"
There is a gospel song that was popular when I was growing up called, "Hallelujah Anyhow" by Thomas Whitfield. It was a simple song with just a few words. "Hallelujah anyhow. Anyhow. Just keep on praising him. Anyhow. Anyhow."
Sometimes you just have to give God an "anyhow" praise. Why? Because He's just worthy-- anyhow.
Anyhow. Nevertheless. At any rate. Regardless.
Anyhow praise means things may not be the way I want. I might not feel good, but I will praise God for who He is no matter what circumstance I find myself in.
Anyhow praise means we don't praise him just because of what he does. We praise him for who he is. We praise him anyhow. The doctor's report was not favorable. We didn't get the job. We got fired. Our husband left. Our wife won't act right. That child that we have prayed and prayed for just can't seem to get it together. That degree seems so far away and out of reach. Your dreams have dried up like a raisin in the sun. The one we loved so much has died and the hole in our heart seems as if it will never heal.
Hallelujah. Anyhow.
You survived when you thought you were going to lose your mind. And just when you made it through that storm here comes another on the horizon threatening to blow you away.
Hallelujah. Anyhow.
The computer has crashed. Your deadline has passed. Your life is falling apart. You feel like you're behind and others seem so far ahead that you think you'll never catch up. You think you've wasted your time. Maybe wasted your life.
Hallelujah. Anyhow.
Whatever the circumstance, praise God in it. Keep doing right. Don't give up. You feel defeated but whatever happens, you still have the victory. You have a home in glory. You have a Father who loves you. And you have a God who is able to deliver. He's able. And whether he changes the circumstances or changes you in them, He is good and you're blessed just because you're His. (Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8)
Hallelujah. Anyhow.
Seek the Lord. He will answer and he will deliver. (I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4)
Don't tell a lie. God is good. Start speaking the truth--the truth of the Word of God in your circumstance. You do right, even when others are doing wrong. (Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:13-14).
God has not forgotten you. He sees you and hears you. When your heart is broken, he is the closest. When your spirit is crushed, he is there to save you. In this life you're going to have some troubles. But God is able to deliver you from them all.
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. a righteous many may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:17-19
Wherever you are, bless him. Whatever is going on, let his praise be on your lips.Don't be afraid to give God an "anyhow" praise.
Reflection and Response:
I praise God for ...
I thank Him for...
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