I call it “micro-stress” when I chat with students. We laugh about it, but there is a quiet knowing and empathy about its compounding challenge. You know…that underlying anxiety caused by constant infusion of horrific on the news. That incessant loud of needing the next “like” on social media, of leveling up in the game of life. The traffic jam, the lost keys, the daily clutter of mailed ads, the dropped stitch in knitting, the children crying and crying, the printer paper jam, the weeds screaming to be pulled, the four-month long need for a haircut. You know. It’s not earth-shattering bad news, but these daily micro-stresses invade our hearts.
And many of us? Right now, we are enduring macro-stress, deep suffering at rising levels. Many of us are experiencing something more like trauma. I’m getting to know many of you and I hear your heart and walk alongside you in prayer as I write.
The battle is real
Are you suffering today? Are you experiencing anxiety, fear, anger, depression or frustration? Do you feel like you are in a battle?
Dear friend, I think you now know the battle I had in the 90’s. https://laurihogle.com/about/ Having an undiagnosed serious illness for nearly eight years caused holistic and continual stresses of suffering. By gifts of His good and beautiful grace in new health challenges, I’ve had recent reminders. Yet again, He has been arming me for daily battle, with Scripture and Scripturally-saturated praise in song. Singing the Gospel of Jesus Christ has helped me endure.
The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him (Ps. 28:7 AMPC).
Singing praise to God fosters trust in God
Whether micro or macro, our battles infect our thoughts, don’t they? What happens when we sing praise to God, proclaiming His unchanging nature? What happens to our trust in Him? I’ve been voraciously researching academic studies and can very boldly suggest that it is in the act of singing His praise and His Scriptural truths that He does powerful work in our suffering. According to research, this may be because we are a holistically physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual creation by His beautifully perfect design. Could this be why nearly every Psalm and deep lament in Scripture include praise? I am pondering His marvelous tune of praise threaded throughout His Word. And it all points to Jesus Christ and the wonders of the gospel.
Singing the Gospel of His grace
Could we glorify Him and enjoy Him forever as we praise Him for His immeasurable love shown to us in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Beloved friend in Christ, let’s re-turn to the gospel from the book of Romans (VOICE) this week and praise Him. Some of my favorite authors remind me to daily “preach the gospel to yourself.” Perhaps singing uniquely helps us to do so! You know this hymn by memory, don’t you? Let’s sing it to Him today and fill our thoughts and hearts.
Romans
You see, all have sinned, and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail (3:23 VOICE).
The payoff for a life of sin is death, but God is offering us a free gift—eternal life through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King (6:23 VOICE).
But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us (5:8 VOICE).
So if you believe deep in your heart that God raised Jesus from the pit of death and if you voice your allegiance by confessing the truth that “Jesus is Lord,” then you will be saved! (10:9 VOICE)
Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King (5:1 VOICE).
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found—was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun.
Amazing Grace (J. Newton, 1779)
Singing the Gospel
How does the gospel change everything as we battle both micro-stress and deep suffering in this current world? Let’s walk together, talking and singing about this, as we seek Him. In and through it all, may we glorify God and enjoy Him forever!
If you’d like a praise explosion of the gospel, in songs you can sing to Him, in your stress, quickly sign up below for my weekly emailed playlist below!
