Deborah Devotions: Praising God

I’ll never forget the early morning of October 30, 2022, when my oldest son, Brady, woke me from sleep, saying, “Mom, I think my friend is dead.”

After waking up and realizing I had missed several calls and reading various social media posts, we received confirmation that my son’s best friend had tragically been killed in an automobile accident. This news was shocking and numbing at first, and then debilitating for my son. Our pastor came over to talk with him and to pray with him.

Brady was scheduled to play drums for the worship team, so he told him he could just stay home today. The response of my son, on the heavily burdened morning is one I will never forget. He said, “we still need to be praising God and we need church now more than ever.”

Praising God, no matter our circumstances isn’t easy but, it changes the atmosphere. When we praise God we edify Him as being greater than anything we face because we know that He is sovereign over all. The darkness bends to the light when we praise the Lord.

My challenge for you is to turn on some praise music or offer words of praise to the Lord today. If the kids are being wild and driving you crazy, turn up the praise music and start praising. If you are overloaded with a never ending to-do list, stop and be still in Him.

If you are overcome with grief, fear, depression, or anxiety, listen to some praise music and/or speak the name of Jesus out loud. He will change you and comfort you in ways you never imagined. Praise may not change your circumstances, but it definitely changes the atmosphere!

Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.”

About Deborah Devotions:

Deborah Devotions was created to inspire women in every phase of their life to walk by faith like Deborah. She was a warrior for Christ by becoming the only female judge of the Bible. She was a prophet who showed bravery, wisdom, and discernment to help lead Israel to the Canaan land. I am a wife, mom, and teacher who aspires to become a woman strong in my faith like Deborah and other women of the Bible. Follow along as we connect to God’s word to gain our strength in this life. – Kari Groce, Founder

About Kari Groce, Founder

Married to her high school sweetheart for 24 years, Kari Groce’s life has been shaped by a deep love for family, education, ministry, and service. She and her husband are the proud parents of three children: Abby, a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in marketing; Brady, a student at Berry College pursuing a degree in education; and Blaine, currently attending Calhoun High School. Kari holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Shorter University, a Master’s degree from Kennesaw State University, and a Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University. For the past 24 years, she has devoted herself to teaching, currently serving as a middle school educator and coaching high school basketball. Alongside her husband, Kari has served in ministry for more than 25 years, leading worship, participating in mission trips, and pastoring. She currently leads the women’s ministry at her church, where she is passionate about helping women grow deeper in their walk with God. Her favorite Scripture, Romans 8:28, reflects her heart and life philosophy: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”