The Hard Hallelujah
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I’m not even sure where I came across the phrase, but I keep turning it around in my mind.
Hard Hallelujah
Sometimes, we choose to lift up empty hands to our God and bless His name with our lips even though our heart is breaking.
The Lord gives. The Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Over the last six years, I’ve offered up many Hard Hallelujahs.
Thank You, Lord, that the first person Baby Dunbar ever laid eyes on was You. Thank You, that our little one will never know sin and sadness.
Bless you, Father, for every day that you gave us with our sweet Miss B.J. Time spent with those we love is never wasted. Help us to choose sacrifice over selfishness.
Jehovah Rapha, I praise You for healing me on my sick bed and raising me up to new life. I am grateful for the gift that is Today. May I cherish each moment and use every second wisely.
Sovereign Creator, I recognize that You alone are God. I cannot control things by pushing and shoving and demanding my way. I cannot change hard hearts. Thank You for the privilege of prayer and praise which helps bring down walls and eradicate strongholds.
Adonai, I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I realize that You have walked closely beside me through the valley. Your beautiful difference has transformed my nothing into something significantly spectacular.
May my hard hallelujah be a fragrant offering.
Something to think about…
I’ll join you on that corner in the chorus for those salvation songs…
So glad I found your blog and your Thought Provoking Thursday linkup, Lyli.
May I invite you to the #DanceWithJesus linkup each Friday? SusanBMead.com/blog-s if so. Your words would honor us there should you join the dance.
Warmly,
Susan
What a beautiful, moving post! I had never thought of it this way, but you are so right, sometimes those hallelujahs are hard to speak. Even though I know, theoretically, that I need to praise in those times, I find it so difficult to do. I am SO sorry for your losses and the fiery trials you have had to endure. I know it is of little comfort to know this, but because of the things you have gone through, your ability to bless and comfort others has increased and been enhanced. God is using your tests as testimonies to others, and you are such a bright, shining light for Him. I always enjoy coming to your blog. God bless you. 🙂
I love the different names you used to refer to God. He is so multi-faceted, and it you enhance this by referring to Him as you have. Blessings to you, and thanks for this insightful meditation.
You left that hard hallelujah blessing when you came to call last week. I thought it was so aptly put, so well said.
Yes, hallelujahs continue even when things aren’t going our way, don’t they. This sacrifice of praise comes in the hard seasons, not just when life is happy-clappy.
We need to be reminded. And you’ve done so gently, friend …
Hi Lyli! I think it’s important to see some good in our sorrows, or they would just wash over and drown us. Some plans of the Lord don’t seem like plans at all, and I am so sorry for your Hard Hallelujas. Your hard-won wisdom makes you the faithful person you are today, and the powerful witness of that to all of us.
Blessings on your tender heart,
Ceil
Lyli, This is beautiful. You grabbed my heart as I thought of the “hard hallelujahs” I’ve lifted over the years. I’m sure there are those I’ve missed too, as I wallowed in self-pity. Thank you so much! I must have really needed this, as I know I will think on it often. God’s blessings!
Beautiful post, Lyli. There are times when the only praise we have to offer is the hard hallelujah.
Beautiful & encouraging post, Lyli. So very grateful He takes our hard hallelujahs & brings something forth from each & every one! XO
I hear so much pain behind those hard hallelujahs. But that means they are worth something. They are costly. Thank you for sharing these, Lyli. I’ll think more about my own hard hallelujahs and hopefully give them up more freely too.
I just love the idea of a hard hallelujah. It reminds me of Job – how he was able to hold on to God even in the midst of the most dire circumstances. Sometimes life does everything to destroy our hearts, steal our joy. But, even then, we can turn to The One who loves us. He is the lifter of our heads, even when our hallelujahs are whispered…
These were beautiful words today, Lyli. I am greatly encouraged.
GOD BLESS!
This was a touching note this morning as I sat and read your words. Those hard hallelujah’s are totally worth it, but it isn’t always as easy to see that when we are in that moment.
Praying your heart is buoyed by grace and covered by His love!
Bless you,
Dawn
Can I sing the hard hallelujahs. Find the ability to praise in the touch times? What a challenge, but through His grace I can do all things. Thank you for this inspirational word.