~By Sharon Czerwien
I know…I know…a “tale” infers fiction. Well, since writing fiction is not my forte, I decided it was best to write quick summaries about two true accounts of praise in the Old Testament.
Praise Event #1:
Exodus 14 & 15
In Exodus 14, the Israelites were miraculously brought through the Red Sea when God parted the waters and defeated their enemies. These circumstances were truly “praise-worthy” events!
In Exodus 15, we see the account of Israel’s praise. Moses, his sister, and the Jews praised, “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously” (15:1a, and 15:21a).
Moses goes on to praise: “The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him” (15:2).
Yes, well-deserved praise!
Praise Event #2:
Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah—a Jew— was a cupbearer for the King of Persia. The Jews continued to be in exile under Persian rule. The good news was this King allowed any Jews who desired to return home.
Well, then there was bad news…
Nehemiah received word that the walls of Jerusalem had been broken down, and its gates had been destroyed by fire (1:1-3).
This news was devastating to Nehemiah, and he mourned for days (verse 4). He also prayed during that time, though!
Once he learned the news, he prayed to the God of heaven.
Here is the first part of his prayer:
“O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love…” (1:5a)
Nehemiah, in his heartache, still chose to acknowledge and praise God for God’s character.
Yep, in Nehemiah’s bumps, he praised! He acknowledged God’s greatness and promise-keeping abilities. What an example!
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There we have it— these are two (true) tales of praise!
In the good…yes, praise!
In the hard…yes, praise!
~Let’s praise on,
Sharon
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