I tasted salt in every phrase as I sang.
Moving day wasn’t a joyous occasion for me. We were leaving a place where I’d found friendships, a good church, and enjoyed being geographically close to my family. But moving was necessary for my husband’s change of employment, and despite the heartache, I was determined to sing a song of praise as I drove our pick-up truck down the road.
Tears dripped down my cheeks and into my mouth. My voice broke, and the tune wavered. The hymns may not have sounded melodic at that moment, but to God, they were better than listening to the best Broadway soundtrack.
Sometimes, singing praises to God is a sacrifice when we’re going through difficulties. When I don’t feel like doing it, but do it anyway, I lay my emotions, desires, and wants on the altar before Him. As my lips form the words and breath passes my vocal cords, God reminds me of the most important thing: He has saved me. When I acknowledge His salvation, the assurance comes that He delights in my praise, and I am comforted.
That day of departure became the beginning of a new adventure. When you face a hardship, bring a sacrifice of praise to God.
Anita van der Elst finds joy in creating with words, believing God gifted her with the desire to do so. Married to her best friend, Edward, since 1976, she is a proud mom of four adult children and Oma to two of the most delightful grandchildren ever. Other joys in her life include bringing beauty to Facebook through photos she takes on her iPhone, facilitating a small women’s group at church, and mentoring a few friends who also desire to write.