A sacrifice of praise

Almost a year ago, a very well meaning Sunday School member made a comment during our Sunday School class that I have struggled with. This person was very well-meaning in what was said, but when it was said I just didn't agree. I have mulled over this thought often throughout the past year as we have encountered so many hurting people. The comment was something to the affect that from the stage or a praise team's perspective so many people look so....out of it, not happy, smiling, or like they are essentially praising God. I totally get what was meant being that we have a great, powerful, almighty God that is worthy of all our praise! The comment was meant to encourage others to realize who we are there for.

As I have thought about this comment it bothered me for a few reasons. One because I realize more and more as I get older and more involved in ministry, that the church is filled with broken and hurting people. People who are lost, people going through hard times, and people who are in need. It also bothered me because as I think upon my own life, the season in my life when I feel that my praise was the most authentic, most real, most honorable to God was at the times that I was completely broken.

I clearly remember my first Sunday back at church after having our Samuel and lying his precious little body deep down into the earth. I had empty hands, empty arms, and an empty heart. I couldn't even sing the songs with my mouth, but as I stood in the back of the church, with tears streaming down my face, I knew that my Saviour was honored with the song of my heart. I had nothing to bring other than the fact that I was completely in need and relying of Christ. That is what a sacrifice of praise really is, praising God despite the circumstances that are surrounding you.  This kind of praise not only strengthens your own faith, but honors God and blesses others. 

I think what churches need more of...rather than happy, smiling faces are genuine honest people who share in and walk together through the rough spots in life. 

I love the way this song by Amy Grant says it...."Better than a Hallelujah Sometimes."