So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. - Psalm 63:2-3. 

When David wrote the 63rd Psalm he was in the wilderness fleeing for his life. I am amazed at how David, even in the most difficult circumstances; continues to turn to God, continues to trust God, and continues to praise God. I also marvel at Christians today in the midst of their own trials, tribulations, and even persecutions who continue to praise and serve God. I receive emails nearly every day from people who are going through very difficult things in their lives, but still, they persist in praising and serving God. 

The apostle Paul who also knew a little about serving under difficult conditions, tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” What a wonderful testimony of faith is given when those who from outward appearances have little reason to praise God; but not only praise Him but continue to serve Him. Paul gives us the assurance that our “labor is not in vain in the lord.” 

Why do Christians continue on in praising God, and serving Him during difficult times? Because they have the witness of the Spirit within (1 John 5:10a), and as Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (John 6:68).” 

So today if you are under pressure from the world and thinking about giving up, or giving in, remember the great example we have of those who have gone before us. Keep on praising and serving God, because as David says, “Your loving kindness is better than life.” Keep on praising and serving God, because as Peter points out there is nowhere else to go because, “You (Jesus) have the words of eternal life.” Finally, keep on praising and serving God because as the apostle Paul says, “your labor is not in vain.” So, my much beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, continue to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15).”