One of my devotions will be posted on Christian Devotions November 5, 2013. Please stop by and check out the site.

The other day, I was thinking about the word, Hallelujah. I’ve read it in the Bible. I’ve sung it in songs. I’ve heard people shout it for various reasons. I’ve listened to Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”. Wanting to be certain I understood the meaning of the word, I looked it up. Basically, hallelujah is used to express praise, joy, or thanks to God. It’s an exclamation of praise to our Creator. Yep. That’s what I thought. Praise, joy, and thanks.

Does that mean we praise God when things aren’t going well? When we have losses? Set-backs? Devastation? I think so. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In good times, and bad. He deserves our praise. All the time.

When life hits me upside the head, I think of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whose story is told in the Old Testament book of Daniel. These three Hebrews were thrown into a furnace that was so hot, the soldiers who threw them in were killed. Before they were tossed into the fire, they told Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar they weren’t afraid. They knew God was able to deliver them. Whether he did, or not was up to God. (Daniel 3:14-30)

Here’s what I cling to from this story…God can, but if he chooses not to, still I will praise him. Why? Because he is God, and I am not. He is sovereign. He is in control. Only he is worthy to be praised. Hallelujah.

Feel like you’ve been tossed into the fiery furnace? Look around. God’s still with you. No matter what.

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Then a voice came from the throne, saying:  “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:  “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” Revelation 19:5-6

I wish you well.

Sandy

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