The Power of Praise in Life’s Challenges

In this series I intend to highlight memories of those who taught me, often without knowing they were doing so, something about prayer.

As milk flowed from the toppled pitcher on the top shelf, onto lower shelves, pooling under heavy glass drawers, then trickled to the floor in front of and under the icebox, I tensed in anticipation of my mom’s angry reaction.

Instead, I watched her summon every last ounce of self-control, take a deep breath and sing from the depths of her being, “O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the world Thy hands have made.”

She kept singing in full voice as she emptied and moved the refrigerator, mopping up the wasted milk. I helped as best I could by rinsing and wringing rags and sang along too. “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee. . . How Great Thou art! “

The way my mom sang that day still beats any other version of the song I’ve heard. She sang like she meant it.

A God who could turn anger into song was great indeed.

I’m glad I got to witness her victory that day. It imprinted something true on my soul.

I sing a lot of praise songs. It’s only recently I realized that I do so not only when I’m happy, but also when I’m stressed or frustrated. Praising God through song has shaped who I am and how I navigate life.

Do you have any stories about the power of praise? I’d love to hear how praising God has made a difference for you.