Windshield time provides beautiful opportunities to listen to sermons, pray through my prayer list, and enjoy times of private worship. Though I don’t relish traveling alone, I do love the precious quiet time to commune with God and hear from Him.
As I traveled this week, I prayed for many people on my prayer list who are going through terribly hard situations. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to intervene, to encourage and strengthen them. Then a song prompted me to ask God also to give them a double portion of faith and a heart filled with worship.
FAITH
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 ESV
Faith is believing something to be true and relying on that belief. It is complete trust and certainty that God is who He says He is, and His Word and His promises are true.
Every Christian experiences saving faith when they trust in Christ for salvation. However, the gift of faith is listed among the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9). This gift enables us to hold on with unwavering assurance, regardless of how things look or feel, knowing that God is at work in all matters (Romans 8:28).
HALLELUJAH
The lyrics to the song, “Hallelujah in the Hard Things” (Katie Torwalt / Bryan Torwalt) stirred something precious in my heart. Here is a short excerpt:
I’m facing mountains so high that I can barely see
You did not promise there won’t be pain or suffering
Here in the valley is where I find You on my knees
So, I can still say
Hallelujah in the hard things, You are my strength
Find me in the heartache, blessing Your name
Even when the whole world’s not going my way
I can still say, Lord, I can still say
Hallelujah in the hard things…
The term “hallelujah” is a combination of two Hebrew words: “hallelu,” meaning praise, and “Yah,” a form of the personal name of God, Yahweh. Combined, they give us “Praise Yahweh!”
“Hallelujah” speaks to a reckless abandon kind of all-in praise and worship of the One True God who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Christians know we will sing hallelujah forever in heaven, but our situations this side of heaven can sometimes stifle our hallelujahs. Praise may come more easily in good times, but in my experience, worship rooted in unrelenting faith in hard times is deeply profound.
In heaven, the hallelujah we sing will no longer be from a place of faith, but from the realization of eternal life in the presence of the One in whom we place our trust.
REJOICE
In his letter to Christians scattered across Asia Minor, Peter reminded his readers that their trials were temporary and purposeful, and that they would strengthen their faith. His words still speak that same message to Christians facing hardships.
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV
It may take some time for the praise to rise from ashes. Some situations are so unthinkably hard that we lose the ability to voice a hallelujah for a season. But the One who gave His life for yours can give you a new song. A beautiful hallelujah that transcends circumstances this side of heaven.
I don’t know what burden you are carrying today. Life can bring hardship in so many forms. But I know that God sees you, hears the prayers whispered in the darkest night, and cares about your deepest need. I encourage you to believe Him, trust Him, and yes, never fail to praise Him.
As I thank God for granting me the faith to trust and believe in Him, I long for the day when our faith will be made sight. We can only imagine the joy of living in His presence and the ease with which our hallelujahs will roll from our lips. Until then, may He grant us the gift of faith. He is worthy of our heartfelt hallelujah in all things—even in the hard things.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs