Praise doesn't come easy when we're struggling with a problem. But magnifying the Lord while we're in the middle of a muddle is an important aspect of praise.

The psalmist David clearly understood and practiced this. He composed Psalm 63 in the wilderness when he was fleeing from those who sought his life. British preacher Charles Spurgeon (1834-92) called it a "wilderness hymn." Its timeless words apply to any believer whose circumstances have become a wilderness.

Spurgeon described David's hymn of praise like this: The first eight verses express his longing after God and his confidence in Him; the remaining three verses prophesy the overthrow of his enemies. In verses 1 through 8, we find no less than 16 statements of love and faith, revealing David's confidence in a personal God. He said, "O God, You are my God" (v.1), "Your lovingkindness is better than life" (v.3), "In the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice" (v.7), "Your right hand upholds me" (v.8).

Are you stuck in the middle of a muddle and longing for God to deliver you so you can praise Him later? Like David, why not let your praises precede the victory. Praise God now!  — Joanie Yoder