“A vow of praise can happen right in the midst of uncertainty. This is an announcement of faith. It’s an ‘I’m not giving up on God just yet’ plan. . . . We need a vow of praise to help us hold out for better days.”- Esther Fleece
“I remain confident in this; I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.”- Psalm 27:13
As Esther Fleece continues Chapter 11 of No More Faking Fine, she reminds us we omit God from the equation when we withhold emotions out of fear. We withhold them because we fear we can’t control where our emotions lead us. Hence, we must remember that as we lament, God draws near to meet us in our pain.
Therefore, in giving up the illusion of control, we surrender to pain’s inevitability. Furthermore, we learn to trust God’s mercy in the midst of it. As a result of this knowledge, we rest assured that no season of lament lasts forever or is designed to take us out. Thus, we can surrender to seasons of lament in faith, knowing that someday joy will come.
Clinging to a “fine” and comfortable life compromises authentic relationships with God and others. Also, it’s helpful to view distress as a blessing, for it’s an entry point for God. And even when our circumstances don’t seem to change, a vow of praise helps us hold out for and onto hope.
In conclusion, while all of us endure seasons of disappointment, loss, and sorrow, we’re loved by a God who makes all things new.
Today’s question: In the midst of uncertainty, have you reached the point of speaking a vow of praise? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Hearing a new song of praise”
