I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. (Ps. 34:1)
PEOPLE WHO WORSHIP GOD in difficult circumstances inspire us to do the same. Anyuka’s life inspired many, having faced many dark days in her ninety-five years. When the Communists took over Hungary, Anyuka and her husband, along with nine of their children—aged two to eighteen—miraculously escaped the horrors taking place in their homeland. Life in the United States was very hard but by God’s grace, Anyuka overcame innumerable obstacles, counted her blessings, and praised God through it all. Shortly before she passed away, my husband and I went to visit her. He asked her, “Anyuka, why are you always so happy?” Her eyes lit up and her voice grew strong as she joyfully declared, “Because I love my Lord!” She felt very blessed.
When David wrote Psalm 34, he wasn’t sitting in the palace strumming his lyre. He was running from King Saul, who had plans to kill him. That is precisely when David committed to praise God at all times and encouraged others to join him. David counted his blessings, assuring those around him of God’s goodness. He had seen very dark moments, and by God’s grace was able to inspire others.
When we are going through hard times, let’s feed on stories of the heroes of faith, who inspire us to count our blessings and praise God. Following their example, we’ll inspire others to do the same.
Inspire others by recounting your blessings to them today.
Kathern Nemec and her husband served in Argentina for twenty-seven years as missionaries. Now residing in Ohio, both are active in their local church.
