Praise in the Middle, Not Just the Miracle
Your struggle doesn’t cancel your praise — it reveals where your hope rests.
Scripture:
Psalm 34:1 — “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.”
Philippians 4:4 — “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Devotional Thought:
Part 5 reminds us of something our church has lived out this entire year:
Even on the Struggle Bus… you never stopped praising.
Our prayers weren’t just full of burdens — they were full of gratitude, peace, hope, and awe at God’s nearness.
While reading through every prayer, three themes rose off the page:
1. Praise for God’s Presence
We praised God for being with us when life made no sense:
• peace in anxiety
• comfort in depression
• strength in weakness
• stability when life shook beneath you
Our praise didn’t come after things got better — it came while you were still hurting.
That is faith. That is worship. That is spiritual maturity.
2. Praise for God’s Provision
We thanked God for:
• surprise checks
• bills paid just in time
• restored jobs
• covered medical costs
• daily bread
• childcare, cars, and housing
• the “just enough for today” grace
This kind of praise recognizes: God doesn’t just show up — He provides. Even when we were stretched thin, He held us together.
3. Praise for God’s People
We praised God for:
• church community
• crews and friendships
• youth leaders and kids’ volunteers
• people who prayed for you
• people who checked in
• people who loved you
• people who sat with you in the struggle
Even during relational tension and isolation, we still saw the gift: God uses His people to carry His presence.
Bottom Line:
Your praise proves something powerful: You’re not praising because life is perfect — you’re praising because God is present. Praise is not denial. It’s declaration.
It’s choosing to say:
“Yes, I’m hurting — but God is here.”
“Yes, I’m struggling — but God is faithful.”
“Yes, I’m overwhelmed — but God has not left me.”
Some of you praised God for the very things you’re struggling under today.
The job you once prayed for. The child you begged God to give you. The marriage you asked Him to heal.
The church family you hoped to find. The answer to prayer didn’t remove the struggle — but it’s still a blessing worth praising Him for.
Reflection Questions:
- What blessing am I struggling under that I once prayed for?
- Where did I see God’s presence this week — even in small ways?
- What provision did God give that I may have overlooked?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing up in the middle of my struggle.
Thank You for the quiet ways You provide, sustain, and comfort me.
Help me praise You not just after the breakthrough,
but right here — in the middle of it.
Teach me to see Your hand, hear Your voice, and trust Your heart
even when my situation feels heavy.
Amen.
Daily Practice:
Write down three things you’re praising God for today.
Not after the struggle ends — right now, inside the tension. Praise in the middle is the praise that breaks chains.