David knew all about distress. He was hemmed in many times by strong enemies who wanted to kill him. Even his own men taunted him about how his God was going to get him out of his situation, and he cried in despair. Then David, being a man who loved God, would remind himself of the times when he joyfully praised God in the temple. As soon as he directed his thoughts to those happy moments, he would feel the power of God surging up inside of him.

Remembering all the wonderful things God had done for him, David would talk to his depression, telling it: "Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." (Ps. 42: 3-5) What a powerful, lovely picture! David wanted to praise God not for his own dilemma, nor out of duty, but for the help of God's face!

In his close walk with God, David had seen God's face. He told God: "I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness!" (Ps. 27: 15) On the occasion of returning the Ark of the Covenant to the temple in Jerusalem, he was so joyful and totally rapt in God's presence that he even took his clothes off while dancing exuberantly. David knew that seeking and seeing His face would bring him peace, joy and hope. He had found the secret to any distress, and he wanted it back now that he needed it so desperately!

There's a hymn that always touched me. It goes like this: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus! Look full in His beautiful face; for the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his beauty and grace." That author must have had a face-to-face encounter with Him, just as David did!

When my husband's medical prognosis was utterly hopeless, I heard in my spirit: "Yet, I will praise Him!" (Ps. 42: 5) It kept getting louder to the point that I couldn't help but praise Him out loud right there in the hospital ICU. I did not care what people thought; nor did my family and friends there with me, all spontaneously bursting out in praise!

It brought perfect peace and even joy! Having experienced the Lord's Peace and many blessings throughout Jack's long illness, my faith by that time had grown in leaps and bounds, and I knew that His sovereign will would be done. Would you like to hear the outcome of this story? Yes! The same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead - and living in Jack - rose him up! (Rom. 8: 11)

When you offer unconditional praise to your awesome, loving, caring, and healing God, He will turn your fear into hope and bring about miracles in your life! As He did with David, so will He remind you of all His benefits in your life. God is not the cause of your grief. His attribute of goodness is the very opposite of evil! Through praise, your depressed spirit, which is focused on the evil that you are faced with, will be lifted up right into His presence!

"Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let them also that hate him flee before him... Sing unto God. Sing praises to his name, extol him and rejoice before him." (Ps. 68: 1,4) Yes! Praise is your most vital tool to regain power over your situation!