“But, thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel.” Psalms 22:3

I have heard it said, “God inhabits the praise of His people.” Such a statement encourages believers to celebrate how wonderful God has been to them. Why is it that we can remember to call on God for help, but can’t remember all the help He has been in the past? The urgency of the moment captures our thoughts to the point we tend to whine when God would prefer we celebrate.

While this phrase, “God inhabits the praise of His people,” is not a direct quote within the Bible, it is very close to the King James Version of Psalm 22:3. It says, “But, thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel.” This is probably where “God inhabits the praise of His people,” came from.

But Psalm 22 is a significant psalm quoted in the crucifixion of Jesus. The psalm’s opening statement is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” This is the statement of Jesus as He is dying on the cross for Sin. It is in the context of the darkest moment of the life of Christ that this call for praise is made.

Within the quote, “God inhabits the praises of Israel,” there is debate about the interpretation of one word, “inhabits.” Some theologians prefer the word, “enthroned.” At first look, these words seem so diverse. But notice the impact of both. We acknowledge God lives with us as we praise Him. Our celebration of His majesty and faithfulness overcomes our loneliness and fear. However, our celebration of His majesty and faithfulness reminds us that in our darkest hour, we must allow God to rule over our lives if we are to see Him as our solution to our hour of need.

You may feel such pressure that praising God at this moment seems difficult, if not impossible. But you will find your faith builds and your confidence firm when you can focus on your solution instead of your threat. Why not make a list of the past victories your faith has witnessed as you trusted the Lord to rescue you? Start with your salvation. Only God can give that, and He has faithfully met our need. Recall battles of the past that now seem so benign. Claim the future that is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit that lives within you. Search the scriptures for God’s advice on what you currently face. Put your eyes on the Lord instead of the waves and, like Peter, you will find the strong arm of Jesus will hold you until the storm passes.

Make room for God in your life by making Him in charge of your day and the sun will shine brighter sooner than you can imagine.

Bro. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, 4032 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian. Visit the church website at www.psdbc.org.