Topical Bible: Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction

◄ Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Praise, as an expression of reverence and gratitude towards God, holds a significant place in the life of a believer, even amidst trials and afflictions. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations for the saints to maintain a posture of praise, regardless of their circumstances.

Biblical Foundation

The call to praise God under affliction is rooted in the understanding of His sovereignty and goodness. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, encourages believers to "give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This directive underscores the importance of maintaining a heart of gratitude and praise, even when faced with difficulties.

Examples from Scripture

1. Job's Response to Suffering: The account of Job is a profound example of praise amidst affliction. After losing his wealth, children, and health, Job responds with worship, saying, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21). Job's unwavering faith and praise in the face of immense suffering serve as a model for believers.

2. Paul and Silas in Prison: In Acts 16, Paul and Silas, after being beaten and imprisoned, choose to pray and sing hymns to God. "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25). Their praise not only sustained them but also led to a miraculous deliverance and the conversion of the jailer and his household.

3. David's Psalms: King David frequently expressed praise during times of distress. In Psalm 34, written after a period of great personal danger, David declares, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1). David's psalms often reflect a heart that turns to praise, even when surrounded by enemies or personal turmoil.

Theological Insights

Praise during affliction is not merely an act of obedience but a declaration of trust in God's character and promises. It acknowledges that God's purposes transcend present suffering and that He is worthy of honor regardless of our circumstances. This perspective is echoed in Romans 8:28, where Paul assures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" .

Practical Application

For the believer, rendering praise under affliction involves a conscious decision to focus on God's attributes—His faithfulness, love, and power—rather than the immediate challenges. It is an act of faith that aligns the heart with the truth of God's Word and His eternal plan. Engaging in worship, prayer, and the reading of Scripture can help cultivate a spirit of praise, even in the darkest times.

Conclusion

The practice of praising God under affliction is a testament to the transformative power of faith. It reflects a deep-seated belief in God's unchanging nature and His ultimate sovereignty over all aspects of life. Through praise, believers find strength, hope, and a renewed perspective, enabling them to endure trials with grace and resilience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 16:25
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God: and the prisoners heard them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Third Season
... entitled to such mercies as these should droop under ... treasures, and the teeth of
the saints with gravel ... Still there is much matter of praise; for electing love ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

Mercy's Master Motive
... the spirit; and his mercies towards his saints are to ... walking with God, you have
much to praise him for ... the very choicest of Christians, this should place you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/mercys master motive.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is ... In such cases the saints may
plead God's honor and the ... to reprobation, of whom God said, "Why should ye be ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Have you no song of praise for His name ... saith the Lord" is the most fitting word
of rebuke for erring saints. ... and if a king were in the case, we should say, "We ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... Praise in a prayer is indicative of an humble, submissive ... was the intent of prayer
that it should attempt anything ... such a thing, and he makes his saints to will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston.
... for the faith once delivered to the saints, Jude, ver ... readily apprehended by rational
men, that I should dare to ... reproach, a man of contention; but praise to him ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir rob%5Et.htm

All Joy in all Trials
... to try it that out of its trial praise may come ... How we should get entangled with
balances and deficits! ... Now, trial works in the saints that spiritual hardihood ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/all joy in all trials.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... of men; just as ambitious to win the praise which fools ... Why, just look at these
saints:"a drivelling set of ... now the witnesses of God, as we should be, but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

The North African Church under the Vandals.
... v, 17,) that we should Pray without ceasing;' for before ... works with true lowliness
of heart praise God; giving ... part in the happiness of the saints." When he ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/the north african church under.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... thee high in the delightful work of praise, help thee to ... If God should set before
thee an eternity of earthly pleasure on the one hand, and the saints' rest on ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm