Completely sword-less.

They began to praise God.

I imagine they lifted their voices in prayer.

I imagine they pondered on the goodness and mercy of God.

I imagine they thought about His all-knowing power, and accepted His will be done.

I imagine some of them started to sing some hymns.

I imagine they sat there, solemn and happy.

And they never stopped.

Even in the very act of perishing, their hearts were still communing with God in gladness and peace.

While they were perishing.

What an impressive but important feat – to be able to praise God at all times, completely independent of what we are going through.

Even when we feel like we are perishing.

We can still find joy in pondering on, speaking of, singing about, and praying to our loving God.

We can praise His goodness and His mercy.

Even as we perish.

Many are mentally and emotionally perishing. Especially right now.

And it’s hard. And painful. And we can plead for a different cup than the one we’ve been asked to drink.

But we can still choose to praise God, even in the hardest of times.

Because ultimately, our praising and our worshipping is for our benefit.

Praising brings us peace, and joy, and happiness, independent of what we are enduring.

Praising allows God to send His Spirit to stay with us and bring comfort.

And so we, as these brave men did long ago, can praise God in the very act of perishing.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

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