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JFH Devotionals by J.M. Farro


Praise in the Midst of Problems


I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. - Psalm 34:1 NASB

Sometimes when I'm going through a trial, I have a tendency to wear myself out trying to gain the victory. I pray almost constantly, I study my Bible with zeal, and I meditate on God's Word day and night. These are all good things that please the Lord, but I know from experience that it's possible to carry them to extremes. This was the case recently for me when God had to remind me that real faith ushers us into the rest of God. (Hebrews 4:3) After impressing upon me that I was actually doing more fretting than resting, He spoke to my heart and said, "Just praise Me". At first, I had to do it by faith because my troubles had plunged me deep into a pit of depression. As I began to sing praises to the Lord, I felt my spirits lift and my focus shift from my problems to the Problem Solver. And that was exactly what I needed because when I'm going through a trial, I have a tendency to want to figure out how I can get out of it. Unfortunately, this doesn't do a thing to bolster my faith, but instead, it just adds to my doubt, confusion, and frustration.

King Jehoshaphat had the right attitude when a "vast army" (v. 2) was coming against him and his people in Second Chronicles 20. He knew the odds were stacked against him, and there was no apparent way out of his trouble. He turned to the Lord and told Him, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." (v. 12) God brought this passage to my remembrance when I was up against my own vast army, and He showed me how singing praises to Him would help me to keep my eyes on Him, instead of on my circumstances. I realized then that I didn't need to know HOW the Lord would deliver me-only that He would. And along with this realization came the peace, joy, and reassurance that I so desperately needed.

The Bible says that David was a man after God's own heart. (Acts 13:22) One reason for this was his willingness to praise God even in the darkest of times. Scripture reveals that after David's first child with Bathsheba died, he went straight to the temple to worship the Lord. (2 Samuel 12:20) David knew that no matter what was going on in his life, God was still worthy of His devotion and praise. In Psalm 34:1 (NASB), he writes: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." I especially like the way the Living Bible puts it: "I will praise the Lord no matter what happens." And even though David was a mighty warrior who often relied on weapons of war for his defense, he also knew that praise was an important weapon in his arsenal. In Psalm 18:3 (NKJV), he writes: "I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies."

If you are going through some difficult times today, don't despair. Begin singing praises to the Lord right now, and discover for yourself the peace, joy, and victory that a praise-filled heart can bring!

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to praise You continually, even in the midst of adversity. Show me how to shift my focus from myself and my problems to You. Remind me that even when the odds are stacked against me, You have a perfect plan for my deliverance. Thank You, Lord, that as I praise You in the midst of my problems, I will be blessed, and You will be glorified!

- J. M. Farro

 

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This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
ELI GABLE Glory Bound - Single [Capitol CMG]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Claire Leslie Thank God I'm Not Alone (from Claire's Phone) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Tommy Royale, gio. Like Dat - Single [Capitol CMG]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



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