Worry Turned Into Praise

"Oh, Lord, why won't you make my husband give Mark the attention he needs?" Kathy was continually frustrated by her husband's inability to reach out to the heart of their ten-year-old son. What kind of man would Mark grow up to be without his father's interest, she wondered.  And could she overcome the wedge this whole thing brought to their marriage? "Oh, God," she cried out again, "why don't you do something?"

Tears blurred her eyes as she drove. Then within her heart she heard God's soft whisper, "Praise Me!"

Praise Him? That was the last thing she wanted to do, yet God said it again. She hesitated. "Lord, I'm too worried to do that." 

From years of experience, she knew it was ridiculous to fight Him, so she said out loud, "Okay, God, I praise You." Then she tried to say it with more conviction. She forced herself to sing a praise song and by the time she had sung it three times, her heart began to focus again on who God is and that He really could be trusted with the relationship between her husband and son. By the time she reached home, she had released the whole situation and was willing to believe God would do whatever was best, even if it was nothing.

After getting ready for bed, she slipped under the covers beside her husband. He murmured, "I'm glad you're home, honey. I want to ask you something. I was thinking about how I could reach Mark and wondered if I should ask him if he wants to learn to play golf? Then we could play together. What do you think?"

Kathy could barely speak as she answered, "I think that's a great idea." Tears of gratitude rolled down her cheeks.

Thank You, Lord, that we can always praise You knowing that You desire only our good.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:11).