“The triumph can’t be had without the struggle.” – Wilma Rudolph

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Listen to my song “Give Praise and Thanks” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Support my ministry by purchasing my songs and books at the links following the scripture reflection below. Thank you!

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Psalm 34:2

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be always in my mouth.

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Praising God is easy when things are going well, but what about when they aren’t?

I think it would be good to realize that God is not “pulling the strings” so to speak, like we are all marionettes.

If God was simply responsible for making everything happen, our free will would have no significance.

As I see it, God is definitely in the mix, but is not making things happen.

We are all in a co-creative, cooperative relationship with the Spirit that is interwoven throughout all-that-is.

Due to poor human choices and perhaps simply the freedom of nature, sometimes hardships occur.

But God is not to blame.

God is love (1 John 4:8), remember?

As Love, God is always a Loving Influence covertly at work, like yeast in the dough.

And this Love will always transform the struggles into triumphs – if we cooperate.

We must accept what is, and then trust that Love will lead us through it.

As St. Paul put it, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

I know in my life that it has been some of the hardest experiences that have resulted in the greatest transformations.

Many times I have found new directions that I never would have explored if not for the curveball that life threw me.

I’m not going to glibly say that ‘God is in control’ because I think that is questionable.

If God is in control, then God is apparently allowing all kinds of horrible things to happen without stepping in. That seems cruel to me.

But I do believe the Spirit of Love is always in the mix, trying to influence those who are open to hear, so that the tragedy can be avoided or at least transformed into a greater good.

As it says further along in today’s psalm, “Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him (and her) from them all” (Psalm 34:20).

This gives me reason to praise God in all things!

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Listen to the song of the day “Give Praise and Thanks” on the Give Praise and Thanks album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!