In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19) 

 

As I waited at the train station for my weekly commute, negative thoughts crowded my mind like commuters lining up to board a train—stress over debt, unkind remarks said to me, helplessness in the face of a recent injustice done to a family member. By the time the train arrived, I was in a terrible mood. 

 

On the train, another thought came to mind: write a note to God, giving Him my lament. Soon after I finished pouring out my complaints in my journal, I pulled out my phone and listened to the praise songs in my library. Before I knew it, my bad mood had completely changed. 

 

Little did I know that I was following a pattern set by the writer of Psalm 94. The psalmist first poured out his complaints: “Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. . . . Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” (Psalm 94:2, 16.) He didn’t hold anything back as he talked to God about injustice done to widows and orphans. Once he’d made his lament to God, the psalm transitioned into praise: “But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge” (v. 22). 

 

God invites us to take our laments to Him. He can turn our fear, sadness, and helplessness into praise. 

 

Lord, I pour out my heart to You. Take my hurts and my anger, and grant me Your peace. Amen. 

 

This devotion blessed me. We all need to be reminded of how praise has the power to lighten our heaviest burden. Be encouraged today and take a praise break. He is The Rock in whom I take refuge, amen! 

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is 1 John 5:14