What happens with we “Praise” God in the midst of hurt, pain, and disappointment?

Lucy Gray, in this short video clip from “The Hunger Games” the Rainbow Serpents scene, Lucy demonstrates the power of a song.

As the scene open, Lucy and several others candidates are in a building waiting for the next fight.  As a large metal drum is lowered into the room, the drum explodes with floor filling with serpents.  One by one the candidates are taken down by the serpents, while Lucy makes her way slowly up a large rock slope.  The serpents begin making their way up the slope towards her.

While being scared, she begins to sing. At first, her crackling scared voice utters a few words, while the serpents get closer and closer.  When the serpents crawl on her, she begins singing louder and louder.  Amazingly, the serpents begin to slow down their movement, as if being subdued by the song.  Finally, she singing almost at the top of her lungs and the serpents are subdued the challenge of attacking her.  With a firm look at the camera, she is waiting for the end result.

Meanwhile, behind the camera, decisions are being made whether to pull her out or not.  In this intense moment, she patiently waits.

Bible Interpretation:

You may have heard the phrase “God inhabits the praise of His people.”  This is thought to come from the scripture Psalm 22:3 which states [Psa 22:3 NIV] 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.

The actual Hebrew uses the word Qadosh, an adjective for God that Strong’s Concordance says means holy or sacred, and the verb yashab, which means to sit, remain, or dwell.

Translations using the word “Enthroned or sit” where a man would sit, as upon a king’s throne at the honor or place of honor–akin to a dwelling place, or place of rest.

“Inhabit” does not suggest that God is only present when people sign praises about Him.   However, it more suggests that God is pleased and glorified when people lift up His name in honor.

Psalm 22 is thought to be written by King David.  This verse was a cry from his soul feeling rejected by the Lord.  David is saying, You are holy, yet feel so far away.  

As believers in Christ, we are to continually offer up thanksgiving to God, not only with our lips, but with our lives.  

Psalm 145 is a great “psalm of praise” as it begins with “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever” (Psalm 145:11)

It is not easy to sometimes face our challenges of life, especially what the enemy throws at us.  However, keeping our eyes on Jesus, in the midst of a difficult situation is what makes the difference.  Just like Lucy, if you can begin to sing praises to God, the enemy will flee.   

[Jas 4:7 NIV] 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Reference:

Brodie, J. (2023, October 12). What does it mean “God Inhabits The Praise of His People”? Investopedia. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-it-mean-that-god-inhabits-the-praise-of-his-people.html