“I plan to keep living until the day I die.”

I first heard these words of wisdom nearly twenty-eight years ago, shortly after my mother-in-law received her terminal cancer diagnosis. The heavy burden of her illness didn’t prevent her from enjoying the remaining days of her life.

Her words always resonate with me, but I need them now more than ever. While I haven’t received a similar diagnosis, the continual COVID pandemic struggle and the constant upheaval of political discord lay heavy burdens on my heart. 

I find it difficult to navigate life under the new “COVID normal”. Safety protocols prevent me from living the life I want. While I’m grateful for technology, Zoom meetings don’t satisfy the same as face-to-face interactions and hugs. A different strain and a rise in new cases mean we likely face a long and difficult winter.

Just when we need to come together to fight this pandemic, political passions fuel discord, hateful social media posts and violence. While half the country embraces a change in administration, the other half fears it. This deepening political rift threatens my hope for a brighter 2021. 

Like my mother-in-law, I want to continue living until I die. But what does this look like in a world filled with so much uncertainty? 

In the opening lines of Psalm 146, I find my answer:

Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

I will praise the Lord all my life;
     I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. (Psalm 146:1-2 NIV)

It may feel odd to praise God in the midst of turmoil. But it reminds me of the familiar fight-or flight response. When we perceive danger, our physical bodies activate hormones which direct our actions. Depending on the situation, we either stay and face the danger, or run to safety.

In spiritual battles I can choose a faith-or-fear response. Praising God activates my faith “hormones” and reminds me He is the only true source of security. The psalmist tells me why:

Do not put your trust in princes,
     in human beings, who cannot save.

When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
     on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
     whose hope is in the Lord their God.

He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
     the sea, and everything in them—
     he remains faithful forever. (Psalm 146:3-6 NIV)

If we put our trust in the new (or old) president or in scientists and medical experts, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Although their influence may be helpful (or not), their time is limited. At some point, they will be no more and others will take their place.

In contrast, only God, the Creator of all we see, is eternal. (Hebrews 13:8) Because He remains faithful forever, the hope and help He offers will never disappoint. A heart filled with praise allows us to live a joyful life, despite our circumstances.  

As we move forward during these troubling times, I plan to live my best life by praising the One who offers real hope. Wherever your journey takes you, I pray you can do the same.