When everything is going well in our lives, it can be easy to praise God. We sing with gratitude when we receive the promotion we prayed for, when someone we love receives healing, or when our circumstances align just as we hoped. What about when we have broken hearts and low spirits? Is it possible to find a song of praise during our deepest pain as we experience loss, disappointment, uncertainty, and even betrayal?

Shortly after the deaths of loved ones, I sat down with a heavy heart for a time of quiet devotion. I began reading Psalm 147 and noticed it began in verse 1 and ended in verse 20 with the command, “Praise the Lord!”. The psalmist declared that it is “good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting” (Psalm 147:1 CSB). This was not a suggestion but a joyful declaration of truth. Praise is not just something we do; it is a posture of the heart that is fitting for the God we serve.

As I continued reading, Psalm 147:3 gave me a powerful reason to praise Him, especially when I was hurting: “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). This showed me a beautiful image of God as a compassionate and attentive healer. He does not just see our pain; He actively participates in our healing. He knows our pain intimately and is committed to our restoration.

I love that this psalm does not ignore the brokenness we experience. It places God’s healing power right in the middle of our praise. The same God who “determines the number of the stars” and “gives to all of them their names” is the same one who tends to our broken hearts (Psalm 147:4). He is a God of infinite power, yet He uses that power for the most personal and intimate work of all: healing our broken hearts and wounds.

Sometimes, a song of praise is the very thing we need to open our hearts to God’s healing touch. When we choose to praise Him even in our pain, we declare that His power is greater than our problems and that His love is deeper than our sorrow. It is an act of faith that says, “I may be broken, but I know my Healer is here.”

So today, as you navigate your circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be, remember the invitation to praise:

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving (Psalm 147:7)

 Let your praise be a prayer that invites His healing to begin, and may you experience His healing in the middle of your praise just as I did. He mends us when we are broken and makes all things new.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, my heart is hurting, and I feel broken, but I choose to praise You because You are my Healer. Thank You for seeing my pain and for being the God who binds up my wounds. Help me trust in Your restorative power and to find a song of praise even in my sorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~

Scripture is taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.