Before we hop into today’s song.. let establish a few things.
I’m sure we have all heard the phrase, “Lift your hands and say hallelujah,” while we were in worship service at one time or another. But how many of you know exactly what hallelujah means? Per Merriam-Webster, the definition is “used to express praise, joy, or thanks especially to God.” Synonyms include: (I promise, I’m not making these up!) glory (or glory be), ha (or hah), hooray, hey, hot dog, huzzah, wahoo, whee, whoopee, yahoo, yippee
So, to me, when I hear those synonyms… I hear excitement! I hear passion, I visualize someone jumping up and down because they are so stirred up!
So why is it that we don’t proclaim Hallelujah in the exact same way? We get excited about sports games, good deals when shopping and nice pictures on Instagram. But, when it comes to Our Father, we barely lift our hands and voices to proclaim Hallelujah!
I get it. It’s hard. It’s hard to PRAISE in the middle of the pain. Regardless of what the pain is.. it’s hard.
And granted, you may have days where it takes EVERYTHING in you to push out a hallelujah.
However, in spite of what we face, we STILL serve a good Father. This week, I’ve been learning how to praise in spite of. My attitude is changing. My praise is not circumstantial. My feelings do not determine my praise. My “lack” or abundance do not determine my worship. God is constant and good, in and out of every single season. So you know what?
If I ovulate or if I don’t.
If we get pregnant this month, or if we don’t.
If my hormones are crazy, or in order.
If we have money in the bank, or if we don’t.
If we get a second car, or if we don’t.
If we get a new place, or if we don’t.
(Fill in your situation….)
God is good.
Regardless of my circumstances and feelings, I will praise Yahweh! Because HE deserves it. Me? I don’t deserve a thing, yet HE still blesses me. This song reminds us of that.