Scripture Reading: Psalm 145
Provide for those who grieve... a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. -Isaiah 61:3
In the book that I am reading, Daily Readings from Every Day a Friday, Joel Osteen talks about praising God even when we are at our lowest. It's easy to praise God when we are on a mountaintop, but when the bottom falls out, people tend to forget that God is in control and he can get you out of this.
He talks about the story of Paul and his companion Silas being imprisoned for sharing their faith, being beaten and tortured. Instead of blaming God or being upset, they were giving thanks to God and saying "God, we know you're bigger than our problems. We know you're still in control. You are able to get us out of here." That night, an earthquake hits and they get out free.
In summary, my favorite part, was this:
The enemy always fights you the hardest when he knows God has something great in store for you.
Thought: You are closest to your victory when it is the darkest. That is the enemy's final stand. Don't be discouraged. Don't start complaining. Just keep offering up sacrifice of praise.