Praise-Not Because But Although...

It is one thing to praise Him because all is well and everything going is your way, but, another to joyfully praise although everything seems to be going wrong and nothing seems to be going your way. We must learn to praise always- not because but even though. Habakkuk 3:17-19 in The Message reads this way: "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!" Praise that is not determined by favorable circumstances but rather, on complete faith, unwavering hope, and undying love for God! Not because of what we have or don't have, but in spite of good or bad, happy or sad, the song of joyful praise is sung. Don't let the praises stop!