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Trials can lead us to a greater dependency on God and a deeper trust in His sovereignty if we let them.
I’m reminded that in every situation I come to a crossroad and have a choice: I can pout or I can praise. I can turn away from God because I don’t understand or I can turn toward God in full assurance that His understanding is enough for the both of us – even if it hurts – even if anger lingers – even if doubt looms.
Have you been to these crossroads? These days of quarantine have us all there to some degree.
God shows us a powerful example of praise-over-pout behavior in chapter sixteen of the book of Acts. During the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey, he and his ministry buddy Silas encountered a collision of faith and trouble while in Philippi.
After Paul cast out a demon that was terrorizing a young slave girl, he and Silas were seized by disgruntled Roman citizens and dragged to the marketplace before the rulers. They were then wrongfully accused of public disruption. And later stripped, beaten, and unlawfully jailed without a trial. After the flogging, Paul and Silas were taken to the inner cell of the prison, normally reserved for the most dangerous offenders, and their feet were placed in stocks.
Though they had every reason to sit and stew because of the injustice of their situation, Paul and Silas chose to trust in God’s plan and praise their Lord, Jesus Christ.
Though they had open wounds and would likely have been in severe physical pain, Paul and Silas chose to glorify the name of God.
After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16: 23-25).
Then God shook the earth and the prison foundations and loosed the chains of the prisoners. In horror, knowing he would be held responsible for the escape of the prisoners, the jailer raised his sword to kill himself – but Paul stopped him. He and Silas hadn’t fled. They stood amidst their dark circumstances and spoke and sang with confidence in their God.
As a result, several people, including the jailer and his family, came to believe in Jesus Christ.
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all of his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household (Acts 16:29-34).
Though we won’t always rejoice in our circumstances, we are instructed to always rejoice in the Lord.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4, 6-7).
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1: 2-3).
When we praise the Lord through, and in spite of, what we face our praise becomes our deliverance through the trial.
We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us… (Rom. 5:3-5a, NCV).
This world is broken and hardship is unavoidable. But, no matter what difficult times we encounter, God is worthy of our praise.
When we choose to praise instead of pout, we choose to trust God.
When we choose to trust God, the wounded world around us lifts their eyebrows in wonder – just like the Roman jailer.
Yes. Sometimes a sacrifice of praise is required.
Offer it.
Dear Lord, Thank You for being trustworthy and praiseworthy! I ask that You will nudge me to trust You each time I approach crossroads of faith and trouble. In spite of the burdens on my heart and challenges in my path right now, I praise Your name and celebrate that Your hope will never disappoint. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
Praise that perseveres begins with a determined heart, mind and soul. Scripture tells us to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Are you standing at the faith/trouble crossroads today?
How would choosing to trust God and praise Him help you deal with your circumstances?
Have I mentioned how much I love doing life with you? I DO!! So much. I’m grateful for the beautiful community of believers that gathers on my wall and social media to discuss these pressing life and faith matters. You are a treasure to me. Please leave a comment about where this pout & praise topic finds you and let me know how my team and I can PRAY for you today.
Warmly in Christ,
GWEN
PS. There are times we just don’t know what to say to God. Times when our emotions are lit and we might not even want to talk to Him. Sara Hagerty joins me for a rich conversation about a simple practice of adoration that will help you experience God in the thick of life’s demands.
Also, Jeremy Camp joined me on a new GRACEOLOGIE episode, along with his beautiful wife Adie, for a fascinating and rich conversation you won’t want to miss!
And dropped new shows with author/speaker Lisa Whittle and business coach Jennifer Allwood! SO MANY GREAT CONVERSATIONS!
PSS. Coronavirus has us all quarantined. How can we process this new reality and make the most of our time inside? Kathi Lipp joins me on the GRACEOLOGIE podcast for a conversation about ways to sift through, organize and strengthen our minds, hearts and homes in a season of quarantine, loss and confusion. Listen here.
Comments 122
Thankfulness to my father who stated to me regarding this website, this blog is really awesome.
Wow this hit home today. I ordered one of your psalms bible studies back in February and then life went crazy. My husband is a pastor, retiring the end of June, due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. We are putting an addition on our daughters house and need to sort and pack and dispose of many things after 49 years of marriage. After going thru more “stuff” today, as they finally broke ground for the addition, I decided to stop fretting or pouting and take a break. I pulled up all the emails I have in my inbox from you, and started reading. God is soooo good and truly knows our needs everyday. I just need to continue to cling to and remember that and always always Praise.
Author
WOW. WOW. WOW.
Gotta love when God taps you on the shoulder of your heart, right Sheri?! So great.
Praying for you now, friend.
GWEN
Thank you Gwen, I am facing the crossroads now as I read your message. I am praising and worshipping and glorifying our father and son Jesus. This was a great reminder to not let these trials and tribulations crossroads interfere with my faith and to know he has been with me and always will be; through our praise and giving thanks in the mighty name of Jesus
Thankyou Gwen for this article, I used to be a real pouter, now I try hard to always be a praiser, so glad for your upbeat faith and positive outlook. Blessings
Gwen, I met you at a secretary’s conference a couple of years ago. You were used by God to refill a very tired and discouraged church secretary! I would love to say I handled every situation well, but I know I didn’t. The thing I did do right was to realize I was on empty and pray for the Lord to refill me at the upcoming conference. Of course, He did and I appreciated your openness to us and to moving of the Spirit. I enjoy your devotionals and pray for you and your family to be well during this time of trouble with the coronavirus. My prayer is for the small churches in our area that cannot make ends meet during this time of being shut down. Thank you!
Definitely PRAISE…i believe that PRAISE is the KEY to unlocking our PRAYER…for when we PRAISE it is surrendering our situation or request to the LORD…..”PRAISE ON”
I was given furlough papers yesterday, I am a masters prepared nurse in a small rural hospital. Our hospital is actually suffering from NO patients during this pandemic 😩, resulting in furloughs of many employees. I can’t imagine not taking care of patients- it is my calling- I’m good at it! I am confused, what is god trying to tell me? I prayed for understanding (I have 25 years of nursing experience, ICU/management/cardiac rehab & stres testing)- why would I not be useful? Today I got an email from my supervisor stating she was going to propose I remain working but at reduced hours. I do believe god still needs me to do the work he has chosen me to care for his children. Please pray for my hospital, those who are furloughed, and the patients who need us!!
Good morning! As a grocery store worker in this day and time, the crossroads of faith/trouble are a daily, even hourly occurrence for me. I praise my Lord and Savior for standing with me and others as we hear of our regular customers dealing with this dread pandemic. Sometimes, that praise is vocal; sometimes, silently. It’s encouraging for me to hear that everyone goes through these forks in the road, especially our Christian sisters, like you. Thank you for doing life “with me.”
Where can i find the test from Enneagram, by Beth McCord?
Author
Hi Linda! There’s a link to that free test in the Quotes and Notes section of her show notes page: https://gwensmith.net/graceologie/97/
I am so grateful for your devotions! Every time when I feel I can’t go on anymore, the Lord will send you by with just the right Word I need. I’ve been pouting a lot lately,because of my situation. My husband was in an accident in 1994. And then he’s been diagnosed with cancer. I try to be there for him, but he says and does things to try to purposely hurt me. I don’t think God will forgive me if I left him. So imagine my life! I haven’t given up on God, He’s all I have, but there are days when I am angry. There are times when I wonder if I’m truly saved. I don’t believe God would allow me to be going through this all these many years if I was. Thanks for listening.
This blessed me as I’m facing many trials of persecution for being a Christian on my job. Mocking
Right now I have a daughter & granddaughter that have tested positive to COVID-19. My daughter is a single parent with 6 kids at home ,& my granddaughter has a hubby and 2 young children at home! I am asking for you to join with me n prayers for their healing. Thank you!
Author
Praying now, Murrell!
GWEN
I pray to our lord & father for healing of your daughter and granddaughter from this terrible virus
In Jesus name
Amen
This reading seem to be for me. My daughter and her husband have decided to separate after 21 years of marriage. They will be new grandparents any day. The children ages, 24, 19, 13 are devastated. Especially the 13 year old. As far as I know they had the every day ups and downs a marriage can bring. Nothing more. I am heartbroken. Pout or praise? I know this is in God’s hands, but I don’t understand. Pray for my me and my family.
Praying for you & your family! For peace and reconciliation that only God can do!
I pray for healing in your daughters marriage and healing for your broken heart
In Jesus name
Amen
Hi Miss Sherri. Your comment really just convicted me in a way that it only came from our Heavenly Father and deep within your spirit, Praise God! Thankful for reminding me that Our Heavenly Father is STILL IN CONTROL and He is PROVIDENCE OVER ALL!!! I wil honor Our God with Thanksgiving and Praise with a new song in my heart! I pray special blessing upon you for letting your light shine before men! Be blessed and thank you for your encouragement!!!
Praise God for your words of encouragement! I am coping with the loss of loved ones and doing my best to recover from co-occuring disorders (mental health issues and substance abuse). Thank God that on April 20, 2020 I will have been clean and sober and no psychiatric hospitalizations for 8 years! I look forward to your messages in my email. I would never have made it this far without my relationship with Jesus Christ. I do my best to praise him every morning for giving me the gift of life! Keep up the love of Jesus that you share with all of your followers.
Keep holding on to God. He will keep you in safe!
This morning 4/14/2020 at 6:30Am Tucson Az.
Lord led me to the Psalm 103 Praise for the Lords Mercies. Yes instead of crying out for His mercy, praise Him for what He has and is doing. Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me. Bless Him who pardons, heals, redeems, crowns us, satisfy us. Not cry out. Bless Him, thank Him, praise Him. I shared this with our simple church, and one of the women sent me your devotion for today. Love it when the Lord brings us in unity to what He is doing. Thank you.
Hi Miss Sherri. Your comment really just convicted me in a way that it only came from our Heavenly Father and deep within your spirit, Praise God! Thankful for reminding me that Our Heavenly Father is STILL IN CONTROL and He is PROVIDENCE OVER ALL!!! I wil honor Our God with Thanksgiving and Praise with a new song in my heart! I pray special blessing upon you for letting your light shine before men! Be blessed and thank you for your encouragement!!!
Hi. I need prayer for His Mercy and Grace. I realized during the beginning of this coronavirus epidemic that I’ve have done nothing but pray and pout. I’m terribly ashamed! Please pray with me for His Forgiveness, His Pity and His Compassion! I will get through it all with all of my brothers and sisters in Christ agreeing with me on one accord!! I will continue to pray for all of God’s Children! Be blessed and be safe, in the Name of the Risen Savior and Redeemer, Amen!
My heart is heavy and feel sadness deeply. I know we’re all in this challenging time together and are feeling the blues. I want to hide in God, be lifted up and ask for prayers. Thank you, blessings to all who gather at this awesome place that provides connection with believers.
I put my trust and praise the lord always.
I put my trust in the Lord and praise him.
Thank you Gwen enjoy your post and Tina Ireland
Thank you Gwen enjoy your post and Tina from Dublin Ireland
I love your emails and can relate to them so clearly! I choose to praise today! Like you said it is a daily choice. I have a daughter who has worked in the ER for more then 20 years and I always pray for her skill and wisdom. But with the pandemic going on I caught myself fearful and losing sleep over it. God was so good to point out that I wasn’t trusting Him with Sarah this time. I needed to take those thoughts captive once again and give her back to him because as He told me before ” She and her family are under the covering of His wings ” I read Psalms 91 each day and it has given me peace and encouraged my trust. No pouting for me today !! Praising Jesus with peace today.
Thank you Gwen, taking my thoughts captive is how I’ve been able to get through life + loss! Tuely a gift!
Blessings,
Gail
This article is relevant in any age or time that we’re in. Today as I wake to an unexpected blessing during this time of recovery from surgery and quarantine due to Covid, I count my blessings. I tell myself daily that I can sit and let the stress of uncertainty cause me to be depressed or afraid. And though idk how long it will take my body to fully heal and idk how Covid will affect my work and finances I can choose to be grateful for all things and worship the Lord I. Song, praise with Thanksgiving in my heart to push past the pout and praise. This article reiterated that for me. God bless!
I have to say that I prayed hard this morning on some troubles that I am having in my life right now. I open my email to see this. It speaks wonders! Thank you!!
Our grandson died in 2016 on my Birthday. Since then our daughter will not speak to us either via phone, text or email. Our son got married in 2018. She and her husband were at the wedding but would not speak to either my husband or myself. We don’t know why. Her husband either doesn’t know or won’t say.
Praise!
Good morning Gwen
During this time, I am grateful that we know an awesome God that has a plan. I am at peace, with the messages we receive from our church staff and church family. I am grateful for the messages you give to keep us connected.
A wise person said that we can live a few weeks without food, a few days without water, but not even a day without hope. As you reminded us, God’s word tells us how we get hope, not when all our wishes are granted, but when we are patient and allow God to build our character. Thaks for sharing,
I find myself pouting more than praising during this stay at home time. I find myself very anxious about my finances, loneliness, missing family and friends, the freedom to come and go as I please. Ashamed to admit I feel upset that nobody has checked to see if I need anything or I’m okay even thought I’ve brought care packages to others, do driveway visits to say hi, babysit my grandkids, etc… Do all that because I truly want to, but feel like I don’t matter. Guess I need prayer to be a better person.
My trial has been long too long but I have grown so much and I know that God has had his angels watching over me. I would not be here if it was not for Him. I’m a different person and yes all praise goes to my Heavenly Father. Standing for Jesus is something I have done many times but the last time was huge as it upset and exposed evil. I had no understanding and needed to go through so much healing to set me free. I love God and I praise Him for He is good.
Thank you for your inspiring message. I really appreciate your work. Please pray for me for a breakthrough in my living situation, my status in the US and my health. I choose to praise God instead of pouting and complaining. He is indeed my rock and my Saviour.
What a needed reminder that we have a choice to pout or praise. Thank you for putting things into perspective.
Request: Please pray for strength to praise, pivot, and persevere in all circumstances. God is good! Christ has risen and He is alive. Pray that we share the good news and that our lives will reflect God’s love.
Gwen, this was a blessing today! Thank you for standing firm in God’s word and not trying to change it or substitute His words. Like Paul, God blesses those who teach HIS truth through His son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit.
❣🌷🙏
I was pouting yesterday about my circumstances which seemed so dire. Now these words have reassured me that God has me. Thank you so much !!
You are truly doing God’s work! Thank you! I feel God surrounding me with your words and your message. I am praising and pouting…if that makes sense?? I praise God every day and I truly believe He is molding me into the person He wants me to be; however, I still struggle with my up and down emotions in the midst of life today and what is happening in the world around us. I see the good in what is happening, but I still find myself in a funk. As I try to figure out how to teach my students remotely…it is hard. My students and the connection with them give me my energy and joy for teaching. Talking to a camera does not give me that same excitement when teaching. Please pray that I can bring that fun and joy that I bring into my classroom to my students through video teaching. Help me to believe that I still have the power to reach my students. Also, please pray that I can have patience and trust in God’s plan for my son. He is a great young adult, but some of his habits are not the best in my eyes. Help me to trust that God is working on him and will mold him into what He wants for him.
I appreciate this group and the work that you do through God! Thank you!
I can’t imagine how painful that must have been for Paul and Silas to endure. But when I think about Jesus who suffered far beyond what they went through I really marvel. Suffering is real and we all have some form of it. I like your scripture 2nd Corinthians 10:5 we have to capture thoughts “do I pout or, or do I praise God?” I have really been trying to put this scripture to practice along with James 1:2-4. WE always have a choice as to how we respond to every situation. Thanks so much more your insight during these very difficult and uncertain times. God bless.
Thank you so much for this post.
Even last pm, when I said prayers, I told God, “I’m not sure how to pray anymore…”
This time and space we are all in, has challenged us as believers, to put our prayers into real time practice.
Praise God!He understands and as the song writers have written: ” Waymaker, Miracle worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness… God, that is what You are”
Thank you for this message today. Yesterday I was pouting a little but today I want to choose to praise. A chronic health issue continues to flare up and I find that it uses up much of my physical and mental energy. I believe God has a plan and can heal me but it is the thought that he might not chose to heal me that causes me to feel fearful. Am I wrong to continually pray with Thanksgiving for healing?
I I need prayer desperately for my impulsive anger emotions! I trust you, Lord! Help me to stop that anger emotions at the moment it rises up in me and feel His voice, Trust Me! Jesus please take over at that moment! Amen
Thank you so much for these words of encouragement this morning when I find myself at a big crossroads of my life. Please pray I make the right decision of whether I am to move to a different area away from my church and community or if I should stay and wait for Gods leading to a different area. I am struggling financially in the place where I presently live. Thank you Gwen and friends❤
In these times of the Covid19 I find my self worrying about our children and their families. I praise Gods plan because He is always good. Out walking we saw a man with his daughter teaching her to ride a tricycle and he told us that due to this virus he is learning about family time and would have missed out on this if he had been working. I pray that many people are learning this lesson because this has been lost to a lot a people over time.
Thank you so much for reminding of this truth today! I have had moments of pouting the last couple days. My Dad lives in an assisted living home. I haven’t been able to see him since March 6 due to the corona virus. Two weeks ago today, he fell and broke his hip, had to have surgery and is now in a nursing home. It has been so difficult to know that he is there in pain and confused by the pain medication and we are not able to be there with him. I was able to keep praising and have a positive attitude until Easter morning when I got a call from the nursing home that he had fallen out of bed. The past couple of days have been a struggle, mentally, so I am very grateful for your reminder today. Please pray for my Dad, his name is Cy. I am part of a wonderful prayer circle, we will be having a zoom meeting this evening. These ladies are such a blessing to me. We all were blessed by your message at the KLS in Clarion, PA last Nov.🙂 May God continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry!
Lori
Thank you Gwen, for these encouraging words that I for one needed to read today. I’m not hiding from God anymore. Thank you again.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement this morning. Please pray for my roommate, Gen, and myself during this time as our mental illnesses are being so adversely effected by the quarantine. It seems to just be getting so much worse, but God is faithful and I continue to hold on to hope. Thanks so very much!
Ginny
I’m recently divorced. My ex was an alcoholic. Although never abusive physically it was a lot to deal with. Just as I was really getting my joy back I found out he rented an apartment 4 blocks away. I was letting depression creep back in. Thanks for the reminder to just praise God and it will all be fine.
Gwen,
That you for being obedient. I am overwhelmed with God and his matchless power. In September of 2019, I took the step of breaking off a ten year relationship with a man I loved dearly. It wasn’t for cheating, physical,or emotional abuse. He is saved and loves God. There is a struggle with alcohol( he was sober eight years, and returned to drinking five years ago) and after dealing with it four years, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to let go and let God.
I have moments when I want to return but I know God needs to do a great work in him and me. He has told me his not ready to stop. I realize this is a strong hold and it is out of my hands. I believe God will do a great work. If I am honest I pout because I miss my best friend,and praise God for I know he has the power to do exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ask or think. I needed to release this stronghold to God.
Please pray that the Lord will deliver me from pouting about a broken relationship of someone that deceived me for 2 years. Please clear my mind and help me go on and enjoy life again and always trust in the Lord.
After 34 years of marriage I found myself divorced and alone, not of my choosing. I turned to scripture and was given if he takes care of the birds….
I used that to begin my new lifeForms myself wallowing in self pity, then He gave me James 1:2-4.
Now I am a survivor and a praised!!!!! It has not at all been easy but every time I see that scripture it give me renewed strength. Like today! Thank you, Gwen. God Bless🙏
Carol
Thank you for’ doing life’s with me,I thank you for ur obedience in Christ,,you help me ‘to count it ALL joy ‘ until perseverance is the norm…Than you for prayers. I am an ‘essential’ worker please pray Gods covering,Gods will and Gods Wisdom for myself, my coworkers, my management, directors and ALL administration. Thank you for your continuous support.
Focusing on where we are and what is going on in our lives always creates a problem. Either pride or pout. We do not realize that pouting is pride. Anytime we are at the center of our thoughts it is pride.
Not only music and scripture keep me focused but prayer- prayer for others.
Although my husband is dying of cancer, I am trying to be praying for others more and more. I must focus as my Lord focused, on ministry to others. If I knew I was gonna die on a cross, I doubt that I couldn’t have spent 3 years ministering to others. That would be a long pouting session. But Jesus walked around reaching out to meets the needs of others. Thank you for this early morning reminder that I need to be in prayer for others and not dwelling on my own circumstances.
Pamela, praying for you, your husband and every situation that you hold spoken and unspoken. Praying Gods grace and strength for you today and everyday,,,walk in your Grace-glory today and everyday…
Whenever I come to a crossroad I just ask God what should I do? He always gives me a answer and that is what I do, I don’t pout over things I praise my God for all things so thank you for the story because that is me all the way praising my God at all times!!!!!!
Your pout or praise is right on time. I have chose to praise God whether I’m stuck in the house or able to praise in the sanctuary. It’s not where we are located physically but where we are spiritually. This epidemic is truly showing where God’s people are mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It’s given us more time to get to worship God on a intimate level and to break out the box on every level. So, it’s refreshing to read your pout or praise but for me I’m going to always praise.
Trying to discipline myself to write out scriptures on post it
notes and place to them in different places where I can
see them and be reminded to pray and prioritize my days.
Amen! When I was home with my children I had scripture hanging everywhere. Also if you are a music person there is a lot of scripture in song. Type in your favorite psalm in YouTube search and you will be surprised at what comes up.
Thanks for sharing.
So needed this!! God has allowed some hard moments in my life. My divorce, my daughter’s divorce. Shaking my head at God for whys??? It has been years since my divorce and some time since my daughter’s, but quite honestly disappointed in God in that He did not protect my daughter from such a hurt! So, once again, a choice to pout or praise. Easier to pout. Feeds my flesh and after all, I do have cause to pout. But your reminder today, and the example of Paul and Silas, have once again shown that God is building something into our lives!!
I just read this…and boy am I there…at a cross roads….
My truck broke down…you see 2 years ago I was blessed with this vehicle. …it was a gift
I prayed for 3 years and God delivered.
I then lost my income and wondered how I would now care for my new to me truck….my children all got jobs in matter of days and well they not only stepped up to help me in household needs but with paying truck insurance and well whatever.
I am no longer able to work due to some growing disabilities. ..this another praise Him in the storm story…waiting on SSDI to start….anyway…as I was saying my truck broke down and while I was/am upset …in the midst of it all I remembered that God is still God and He knew this was going to happen….
So after a bit of “omgness” I started praying and told my children….who have all fallen away from the Lord….I am just gonna pray it through…..
Then I read this pout or praise….while I am scratching key head I am also praying and trusting because I have been praying for God to do whatever it takes to grab my children’s attention and turn them back to Him…but spare their lives.
Well broke down truck= upset children not being able to fight over who drives and who gets dropped off …and well exactly whose truck is it= my saying this morning Lord I am trusting You in this…with this…
You see while my first thought was to get all sad and depressed and cry it out…I decided to pray it out and trust the Lord to work it out….to work it out that my children (all adults whom I provided transportation for) could see and acknowledge that what happens next is all God …
So while my old self would have ranted and raged….cried and carried on….the new me…prayed and praised
Praise because when my truck broke all my children were safe and while I was home sick and my daughter was driving she and my son were safely in a parking lot and not on the road.
So….again thank you for this I needed it …it helped me realize I had…I am trusting the Lord and praising Him and not pouting.
Annette Hunter
Thank you for the reading on praise or pout, it came at the right time. Made a note in my bible with the scriptures. From 30/9 I am without a job due to the economy. I rent, I need to be strong and trust God. I need a fairh increase in the Provider!
God richest blessings Gwen!
I am going through many trials. My GI Doc just said out of ALL the people he sees, myself and one other person are the only ones he has ever seen with this much radiation damage. I have lots of doctors and lots of radiation damage BUT I am CANCER-FREE going on 7 years. The docs that were in charge of my treatment…radiation and chemotherapy….didn’t think I would live after my bone marrow shut down. I told my doc then, “Don’t worry Doc. I got God on my side and He is bringing me through this because it is not my time yet.” And I totally knew and believed that. Talk about peace that surpasses understanding! Yes, there is more to my story…much more, but I want to point out that the REASON I am so SPECIAL as far as this radiation damage is concerned is because I LIVED & I continue to CHOOSE LIFE! Statistics have me dead 2 to 2 1/2years after therapy. BUT GOD has other plans. I am truly struggling now physically, financially and my whole life is just crazy. I need a home but am so thankful my beautiful middle daughter is letting me stay in her house. It is hard on her and she is a cancer survivor also. (Another story). Also, I am praying for a car for several reasons….taking the burden off my family for one, getting to go see other daughters and grandchildren, getting to go to church and having a chance to try to work part time cleaning houses. I think I can do it. I thank the Lord God and His Son Jesus Christ for continuing to bring me through….for never leaving or forsaking Me. Boy have I needed Him through it all and WOW Do I ever need Him now.
Author
Thank you for sharing this!! I love that God is working in your life!
Thank you for this reminder today. I needed it! In the aftermath of a hurricane my family is being hit hard financially. With recent doubts in my call to ministry in my church, I have not been in a place of faith/trust. Thank you for sharing and helping me remember what I know is in my heart, but was not in the mind or my actions. Please pray for me and my family. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and give you peace.
Author
Karen, praying for you!
I needed to be reminded of this today. Please pray for my family. We are bombarded daily with problems but God always comes through for us. He has blessed us so much. My granddaughter needs a day job that pays good. Her mother is in prison, drug related, she needs deliverance. All my children need to be saved. Thank you for your uplifting articles. Keep up the good work. God bless you!
A good friend of mine, her dad could die any minute now. Please pray for comfort for the family.
Thank you Gwen. Often your devotionals cause me to think about my walk with conviction, likewise uplift me when I’m down or encourage me when I’m on the right path. God Bless.
Can I first say how much I appreciate your devotionals. This one definitely speaks to me. I am definitely in the faith side. God has shown me in the past 10 months how much he is with me and my family in the midst of troubles. I have chosen to pray and praise through worship when my heart has been broken and he has given me hope. I trust that all will be well. In January we learned that my then 5 year old granddaughter had been molested numerous times by her step-father over a period of about 8 months. I thank God often that she spoke up. Now I don’t know what will happen in terms of justice according to the law and I don’t really worry about that. Through this tragedy God has been faithful. It has brought my daughter back to church and although questioning, she is with me there, including doing an Alpha course. I know and trust that God is in control in this situation. Not every day is easy. But I’m learning how I react is a choice. I choose Joy. I choose faith. The words of this song often play in my head “I will praise you in the storm”. If my story can encourage anyone, then I share it. thank you so much, Gwen, for words often so timely. He speaks to me through them often. Bless you!
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Wow, what a story!! I’m so glad that you’re able to look to God for your strength in this situation. Blessings!
I feel like this message is always timely. Whether it was when my oldest son was diagnosed with severe ADHD and medicated at 8 years old or when he was a teenager and was completely rebellious and ended up dealing drugs and in jail, or when my youngest son was born with Down Syndrome, or when ai went through a divorce, or when my current husband rages at me for something seemingly so insignificant…. Because he has a personality disorder…. Or whether my addiction to anti anxiety meds is reading it’s ugly head… I have always had the choice how I would respond rather than react. I have to believe in my heart of hearts that no matter what storm I am weathering that God loves me and the circumstances surrounding me are not going to last forever. But His love is! Praise God for His faithfulness even in the dark and ugly. I didn’t always make the best choice in the hard times and I still don’t always do it now. But I am progressing and praying and growing closer to Him every day. Thank you Gwen for sharing yourself and your heart with us. It is truly a blessing and a joy to do life with you as well. Xoxo
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Amen! God is ALWAYS with us no matter what!!
Dear Lord I pray to always praise you and thank you in and through the trials of life. I trust you Lord that you may take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
thank you for this scripture to meditate on: We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us… (Rom. 5:3-5a, NCV)
Experiencing abiding in the Lord by scripture and song and receiving a dose of the joy of the Lord … thank you for these devotionals that help get me focused on who God is and all His benefits.
I have been standing & believing for restoration of my 24 year marriage since
May when my husband moved out. He says he just doesn’t know what he wants to do. He is dealing with a lot of spiritual issues. I have been holding on to Psalm 65:5, “You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God my Savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.”
I feel like that’s where he is right now; being tossed back & forth on the waves in this storm. Please pray for him. ❤️️
Hi Karen. I know you don’t know me, but I just wanted to let you know I’ll be praying for you and your husband. I was reading through some of the comments and your message touched my heart. I’ve never been married. My Mum has dementia and this makes life so difficult at times and I often feel so desperately lonely. I’ve been praying that God will bless me with a kind and godly husband to share life with. Be encouraged, our God is an awesome God, and He will work all things together for our good. I’m trying to learn how to truly delight in the Lord. All His promises are true – Psalm 37:3-4. God bless. Ruth
I Am going through a financial storm right now and need your prayers
But I am praising my way through
Thank you for your timely words of encouragement. This year has been very trying. In March I had my gallbladder out and 9 days later my appendix. In May I found out that my knee replacement of 2 years was infected. I had it removed and a temporary knee put in, was on iv antibiotics for 6 weeks. 2 weeks later the Dr retested fluid from my knee and it was infection free. I then had a full knee replacement on July 20th. Then on Oct 2nd my knee became swollen, red and hot. On Mon I had an emergency Dr appt and was admitted to the hospital for iv antibiotics. By Wed I was not better. Fluid was taken from my knee and it showed infection. Once again I’m off to surgery to clean out an infection. I praise God that this infection is different. It had not gotten into the joint. It was only an infection of the tissue in front of the knee. I’m back in a brace and I have 2 weeks of iv antibiotics. I’m not sure what God has ahead for me, but I stay in His word and I know that God will reveal it in His time. Today I choose to praise and glorify my Father in heaven. Thanks Gwen
Wow! Thanx for PRAISE or POUT!!! I had back surgery 3 wks ago today actually and have been given a list of things I cannot do? But this is so timely. Rather than pout about what I cannot do I want to PRAISE the Lord for what I can do? And my sister and I were actually the story of Paul and Silas years ago for a VBS story. We were chained and beaten. This has also brought great memories of that as well. Thank you for sharing. Blessings of Praise. Debbie?
Gwen. Your words are timely. We are struggling with a mentally disabled adult son who is also bipolar. After 12 years of stability he has hit a crisis twice in the last 4 weeks. It is so very heartbreaking for us as parents as we see him fall each time. He is helpless to control the demons that take over. We can only heap meds and prayers upon him. We have dealt with this for 35 years. We are weak mentally and physically but strong in the Lord. And yes I still praise Him. Our son’s name is Josh should you choose to pray for him. Many thanks. Jeanne.
Thank you for your message. There have been challenges lately and I tend to pout and now, I am choosing to Praise God instead. Thank you for your message. Barbara
Good post today! I’m in the crossroads right now!! I set my heart to praise but I grieve the Holy Spirit then doubt sinks in. It breaks my heart when i know the Good Lord will provide. Please pray for my strength in the Lord. I want a Praise party and not a pity party! Thank you and God Bless you!
Thank you Gwen for writing these words – each time it does help and brings my mind back to what is very important to remember always. God Bless you and your family.
**Trying not to pout during these times in my life**
Kelly
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Love this. Blessings to you too, Kelly!
Gwen
Your devotional are so timely. I have experienced much loss over the past six years. Some of it by my own hand and some not. The hardest ones were of the heart. Last year I ended a 5 year relationship that was very destructive. My heart has been close to Christ and He has carried me through some of the hardest trials of my life. The idea of a romantic relationship was not something I was willing to entertain. The very thought of it filled me with a giant “NO”!!! Several months ago I was introduced to a man by a Godly friend. The intent was to just be friends as we have similar struggles and have not found support easily in those areas. About a month ago it became clear that we were both interested in being more that just friends. Sister!!! Can I tell you the fear that this is bringing up in me. I thought I was over living with fear. Fear of loss. Fear of opening my heart only to be hurt. It was easier to be alone (and put all my focus on God, my children, work, and my home). Clearly God is showing me were my faith is lacking. Where I still struggle with feeling unworthy and allow panic to set in. The praise is that, although in the past, these scary feeling would lead me to destructive behaviors, I now have Christ Jesus to turn to. To calm my mind, my hears, my souls. I do not know what plans He has for me but I know that he wants what is best for me. He has my back. I don’t know where He is taking me, but I am going, with the faith that His plans are more than I could every possibly imagine. With or without a man. With our without experiencing hurt and loss. He is ALWAYS there for me and He is ENOUGH!!!
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Yes! Fear has no place in this. Simply purity and God’s best! Praise on, friend!
Gwen
Good morning. this devotion was like God…On Time! i was doing a little pouting this morning. Today is my second day back to work after being off for 6 weeks due to surgery. Although, I am grateful to have a job to go back to and I love what I do, I felt like I needed more time to heal and I was pouting and anger was lingering. And although I know God is with me and my body is healing…going back wasn’t what I wanted.
Thank you for reminding me to give praise, NO MATTER the circumstances. For the reminder that God is working things out and I can rest assured that He will restore me fully and going back to work is part of the healing.
Thanks Gwen for allowing God to use you.
Gwen, I am thoroughly and completely inspired by your messages and your testimony in your messages. You share personal stories and how your faith and the challenges in your life have shaped and impacted your love and faith in our Lord Jesus. Please continue to share your messages as I know my faith is growing as I read and study God’s word with you. Thank you Gwen, Sharon, and Mary for your daily posts. God Bless all of you.
I love your writings, Gwen! You are clearly in tune with the Lord and hearing him speak. Thank you for sharing your insights! The Lord has been teaching me this lesson for a LONG time.. and I feel I am finally starting to get it! ( Yes, I am hard-headed 🙁 ) When we proclaim our trust in HIM, and rejoice in HIM in the midst of our circumstances, even though our situation may not change, our perspective changes, and He gives us peace that he will never leave or forsake us and HE is using our trials to produce greater things in our lives. He wants us to be more intimate with him and to look more like Jesus in the end. Help us, Lord to always choose to be joyful,as we KNOW you love us!!
Lisa
About a year ago I came very close to re-uniting with my ex-husband, Joe. He had accepted Christ as his savior years ago. While with him I became overwhelmed in how mean and nasty he would get. I once asked him why he did not sleep in his bed, his response was he slept in another room where he could be surrounded by his possessions. There were a few times when I could see the love of the Lord seem to surface but mostly he was narcissic and everything had to revolve around him. He got very angry when I read my bible.
One night he began screaming for the dogs to stop biting him and piercing his feet. The next day I was stunned when I read Psalm 22:16 of the NIV; “Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircle me; they pierce my hands and my feet.”
I ended up leaving the house and he seemed to take great pleasure in the fact I had nothing. It is almost a year now and my financial burdens have become so great. I contemplated suicide because I had no way out. Now I find myself being led to pray and fast for Joe. I have to admitt that there has always been a love for him in my heart and throughout the years I have prayed for him. He currently lives in a mobile home which he rarely leaves. It is so dark, almost like his own mausoleum. I am being obedient and have committed to prayer and fasting today. Sometimes when your own burdens are so heavy yo question, why, when you need help yourself so badly. Please pray for me and with me, especially for discernment. When you are desperate it seems things can become very misleading. I am 68 years old and my name is Jenny. Thank you
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Heavenly Father, I agree with Jenny in prayer today for you to move powerfully in these circumstances. Please give her wisdom and discernment to obey as You lead. Bring healing, conviction, restoration, and hope to both Jenny and Joe. Help Jenny to stay firm to healthy boundaries according to what is Your best for her. We pray against the plan of Satan – which is to rob, kill, destroy and demolish all light, truth and joy. Bind our enemy in Jesus’ name so that Your plans and Your best will prevail, Lord! Please surround Jenny with healthy and Biblically strong friends and speak through Your Word as she seeks Your heart. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
This spoke straight to my soul this morning. I have never posted for prayer before but felt “nudged” to do so today. I have been struggling with a health issue that has kept me bedridden at points over the last 6 months. But all began 25 years ago as something called adrenal fatigue brought on my a gene variation called mthfr. All of my B vitamins are deficient which has me battling severe exhaustion/fatigue on some days. The anxiety that comes with it has been bad as well. God has brought me through so much of it as I look back at my journals the last six months. I am standing and believing God for complete healing. Thank you for the ministry you share with us. Your encouragement each day during this health struggle has been a big part of my healing.
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So grateful that you shared this, Mary. Praying for you now!!
Gwen
Thank you, Gwen!❤️
Your post really hit home this morning. I tend to pout and instead of praising. Please pray for me. I will pray for you also. Thank you.
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Praying for you now, Maryrose!
Blessings,
Gwen
Thank you for posting such inspiring words. I look forward to your emails every morning. I often forget to praise God for all he does.
Thank you.
Ms. Smith thank you for such a powerful and encouraging word on pout or praise..sometimes things in life get so difficult and you don’t uderstand the way God takes you..but I choose to praise..please pray for my Husband and I..we were seperated for a couple of years and have reconciled but still don’t live in the same household due to the commute for his job and he only comes home on weekends..Right now we need a great financial miracle from the Lord..And please pray for me that I would be consistent this is a area I seem to struggle for me in my decision making, with my children just all across the board…thank you and God Bless You Always..?
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Thanks for sharing this, Gloria! Praying for you now, sister.
Blessings,
Gwen
Thank you! I needed this reminder this morning, I am feeling that all the time I spend with the Lord is not changing me at all! So I am pouting! I already sought the Lord’s forgiveness, by not trusting or believing in him
Nancy
Thank God for you Gwen,
You are such a positive blessing. Ive done both pouted then praised as I know I have to learn in the trials that come my way, especially pain. But I know will teach me a lesson. God bless you and your family ♡♡♡♡
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Thanks, Susan. Blessings to you and yours too!
Gwen
Good morning great devotion this morning sister. I really need prays for my anger. I have great things going on … the Lord has my husband and I in the middle of some great things. Like ministering to my parents who aren’t saved YET. We just got the opportunity to move them up from NC to PA. And what a privilege to take part in Gods plan right. And I have allowed anger in and it immediately turns to rage. Not good I know … Please pray for me thank you
I am currently facing big changes and transitions in my life. My secure job has been taken. I am placing my full trust in God. I am waiting and listening for Him to direct my steps. While it is so scary it is also very exciting to say for the first time in my life “God, I am yours. Use me. I am willing to do whatever it is that you are asking me to do”.
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A perfect prayer, Tricia! Praying for you now…
GWEN
Thank you for your words of encouragement..With God’s help and prayers I am opening up to forgiveness and love after years of trying to have a positive relationship with my husband . By standing back with patience I wait for the will of God to put in my path all that he wants me to have and to be. Love and Grace
is enough for me as I surrender.
Thank you as always, you just wake me up every morning. I too have been a great pouter, and actually until reading this, I realized that sometimes I have praise on the outside, but pout on the inside. I needed this (and every) wakeup call, I am determined to move out of my way and to follow (baby steps) God. That’s why he sent me to you and GIG in the first place, praise his name, unceasingly.
Thank you for this lesson. It is easier to pout & be discouraged, but I choose to praise. I just lost my job after just a few months of starting it. My future son-in-law lost his as well. He is not a believer. I would like you to pray that He comes to accept the Lord. Also pray that a job opens up for him soon. Thank you so much.
Your message is always coming at the right time & when it is mostly needed. My husband is been oppressed at his place of work & he needs all the encouragement in the world to keep moving on, I was broken but with this message I feel better because I know my redeemer liveth, he never lives his own. Thank you
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YES! Our Redeemer surely lives!!!
Blessings,
Gwen
For many years I have had a sinus problem. My nose will drip and when it trickles down my throat I get and awful cough. It is so embarrassing when I’m out in public. I have doctored with it for years. Today, I will start praising God for this condition instead of feeling sorry for myself.
Thank you, Gwen, for this post on pouting or praising. It is so much easier to pout and have a pity-party at times the. It is to Praise. The photo of you jumping in the middle of the road amongst an incredible force of a background shows your heart. Just seeing that photo put a smile on my face and a tickle to my heart. Two qualities in your photo lead me to praise Him for His Majesty and safety.
THANK YOU for your transperancy in life through your real posts. It helps to know despite our failures and fears….. we are not alone!
Thank you!
Thank you for reminding me of this today. I do tend to forget to PRAISE instead of pout. May God continue to bless and use you for HIS GLORY and our good.
Judy
This is Theresa again,I’m sorry that I made so many mistakes in my last post .I have to be out by November 1st.
This is all me today,?I thank God for you and you staff I’m going through a hard time.I love God with everything in me but if I’d my self pouting wondering why me.I have to be out the place that I’m living by October 1st with no money to move I need him and it’s like he doesn’t hear me.Please pray for me I need a miracle.Thank you and God bless.Your article came right on time❤️️
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Praying now, Theresa. Blessings to you too.
Gwen