A Reason to Praise

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together."

As we gladly stepped into 2025, many of us felt a renewed hope weeks away from a new President and vision for our country, we were instead met with devastating news—a horrific terror attack, followed by pro-terror protests, and the heart-wrenching video of a hostage, reminding us of the dark realities our world continues to face.

This is not the start to the year we envisioned. The New Orleans terror attack left us shaken as the nation grappled with yet another act of unimaginable violence. Even more disheartening were the pro-terror demonstrations that erupted shortly after, celebrating death and this dangerous ideology of hatred and division. To compound the pain, Hamas released a video of hostage Liri Albag, a 19-year-old Israeli soldier, who has been in captivity for over 450 days. Her broken spirit, visible in the video, speaks volumes about the human cost of terror. Her family’s plea to Israeli leaders to act "as if your children were there" cuts deep into the heart of parents everywhere.

Yet, in spite of these harrowing realities, we are called to praise. Not because circumstances are good, but because our God is good, faithful, and sovereign.

The psalmist declares, "I will bless the Lord at all times."

This isn't a superficial command; it's a lifeline. Praise is a spiritual weapon, a testimony, and a declaration of God's faithfulness. Just as King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 sent worshippers ahead of his army, trusting God to fight the battle, we too are called to praise in the face of our struggles.

The events in New Orleans and the ongoing hostage crisis remind us of the spiritual battle we are in—a battle not just of flesh and blood, but against powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). As Christians, we cannot afford to grow complacent or silent. Our praise not only strengthens our faith but also shines as a testimony to a world desperately searching for hope. 

As believers, we can take comfort in the truth of Scripture that Jesus has already defeated the enemy. In Luke 10:19, we are reminded of His power: "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." This verse assures us that no matter how dark the circumstances appear, Jesus has the ultimate victory over sin and evil.

That is why, even in the face of despair, we are called to praise, to proclaim God’s faithfulness, and to seek His light in the shadows. Praise does not diminish the pain we feel—it transforms it, aligning our hearts with God’s purpose and inviting His presence into the brokenness. 

Psalm 34:2 says, "Let the afflicted hear and rejoice." For the families of the hostages still held in Gaza, including Liri Albag's parents, this is a time of unspeakable anguish. The video released by Hamas shows a shadow of the strong and vibrant young woman they knew, yet it is a reminder that she—and the other captives—are alive.

In their heartbreak, her parents' cry: "We are fighting for you, Liri. We are not giving up." These words are not only for Liri but for every hostage, for every afflicted soul longing for deliverance. As Modern-Day Esthers, we must take up their cry in prayer and action, standing boldly for the vulnerable and oppressed.

The pro-terror demonstrations and the hesitancy to confront the root of such extremism highlight a dangerous moral and spiritual void.

As believers, we cannot ignore these signs. We are called to be a light in the darkness, to stand with Israel, and to be unwavering in our commitment to truth and justice.

The story of Liri Albag and the terrorist attack in New Orleans serve as stark reminders of the stakes in this spiritual battle. But as Psalm 34 reminds us, God inhabits the praises of His people. When we praise, we invite His presence, His power, and His peace into our world.

A Reason to Praise

Praise changes everything. It shifts our focus from the chaos of the world to the unshakable sovereignty of God. It declares that even in the valleys, we trust in His promises. And it reminds the afflicted—those like Liri's family, those grieving in New Orleans—that they are not alone.

As we watch the troubling events unfold around us, let us commit to being faithful in praise and prayer. Let us exalt His name together, lifting up the afflicted, and standing in the gap for those who cannot fight for themselves.

For such a time as this, we have been called. Let us bless the Lord at all times, for His faithfulness endures forever.