Get Up and Praise the LORD!

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people." 

– Psalm 3

Via TJC

This past year was saturated with overwhelming, chaotic changes. In July 2025, we moved to Indian Trail, NC, for a fantastic opportunity with a national bank. 

Gratitude is Victory!

The Charlotte Metro area truly has it all; I highly recommend it. We found a great job, a great church in Sardis Baptist, great parks, and friends.

Yet around Christmas, something ate at me. Why were we here? I had no complaints, but no answers. I called my pastor and good friend back at Faith Baptist in Fredericksburg. I told him nothing was wrong, but I felt we should return. Through prayer, the Lord effortlessly opened the doors. Aside from minor complaints about transition expenses, God made our path so evident.

Despite intense logistics, stress, and explaining things to the kids, I chose thankfulness. On my daily commute to the bank, I constantly listened to a worship playlist. Songs like My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness, Speak O Lord, Behold Our God, The Power of the Cross, Christ Be Magnified, Gratitude, Goodness of God, I Know A Name, Psalm 23 (I am not alone), and God I’m Just Grateful carried me. I also memorized Psalms 1, 3, 13, and 23. This continuous worship granted me total contentment, whether we stayed in NC or returned to VA.

No matter the outcome, I kept coming back to Brandon Lake’s Gratitude:

I've got one response I've got just one move With my arm stretched wide I will worship You

So I throw up my hands And praise You again and again 'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah Hallelujah And I know it's not much But I've nothing else fit for a King Except for a heart singing hallelujah Hallelujah

So come on, my soul Oh, don't you get shy on me Lift up your song 'Cause you've got a lion inside of those lungs Get up and praise the Lord

Psalm 3 serves as a powerful anchor during seasons of overwhelming change and internal struggle, reminding us that true victory is found in a heart of thankfulness. Just as David praised God as his shield and the lifter of his head while fleeing for his life, we can choose gratitude over anxiety in our own transitions. By actively seeking God through prayer, worship, and memorizing Scripture, we quiet the chaos of doubt and recognize that salvation and blessing belong solely to the Lord.

Battle Order

Father, this has been one of the craziest years of my life, yet one of the biggest breakthrough years of my life. Thankfulness and gratitude are truly miracle workers. Let us all Praise You, sing, read, and praise You again and again. Let us not be ashamed to make a fool of ourselves in the car while tears pour down our face, and let us always remember to simply say, "Thank you!" In Jesus’ name. Amen.