The concept of afflicted saints praising God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where suffering and worship are often intertwined. Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to maintain a posture of praise, even amidst trials and tribulations. This entry explores the biblical basis for why afflicted saints should praise God, drawing from various passages and theological insights.

Biblical Foundation

1. The Example of Job: The account of Job is a profound illustration of an afflicted saint who praises God despite immense suffering. After losing his wealth, children, and health, Job responds with worship: "Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD'" (Job 1:20-21). Job's response exemplifies the call to praise God irrespective of circumstances.

2. The Psalms: The Psalms are replete with instances where the psalmists, often in distress, choose to praise God. Psalm 34:1-3 declares, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together." This passage encourages believers to maintain a spirit of praise, inviting others to join in worship despite affliction.

3. New Testament Encouragement: The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to rejoice in suffering. James 1:2-4 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, the act of praising God in trials is linked to spiritual growth and maturity.

4. Paul and Silas in Prison: In Acts 16:25 , Paul and Silas, while imprisoned, exemplify the power of praise amidst suffering: "About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Their worship not only sustains them but also serves as a testimony to others, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household.

Theological Insights

1. God's Sovereignty and Goodness: Afflicted saints are called to praise God because of His unchanging nature. God's sovereignty assures believers that He is in control, even in suffering. Romans 8:28 affirms, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This assurance provides a foundation for praise, trusting that God is working for the believer's ultimate good.

2. The Presence of God in Suffering: Scripture assures believers of God's presence in their afflictions. Psalm 23:4 comforts with the words, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." The awareness of God's presence encourages praise, knowing that He is near and provides comfort.

3. Witness to the World: The praise of afflicted saints serves as a powerful witness to the world. When believers maintain their worship in trials, it testifies to the reality and sufficiency of God. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you." The hope and praise of afflicted saints can lead others to inquire about the source of their strength and joy.

In summary, the biblical call for afflicted saints to praise God is a recurring theme that underscores the believer's trust in God's sovereignty, presence, and ultimate purpose. Through praise, even in suffering, believers affirm their faith and provide a compelling testimony to the world.Psalm 13:5,6
But I have trusted in your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 56:8-10
You tell my wanderings: put you my tears into your bottle: are they not in your book?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 57:6,7
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have dig a pit before me, into the middle whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 71:20-23
You, which have showed me great and sore troubles, shall quicken me again, and shall bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
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Me, and should rise up ... removed from the perfection of the Saints, doeth far ...
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Me and should rise up ... himself and the perfection of the saints, acts much ...
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Prayer Perfumed with Praise
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afflicted, yet it is of ... his goodness, on the other hand we should never appear ...
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"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak Though the ...
... against the interest of all the saints, who were ... and only begotten Son of the great
God, should become the ... With what boldness may poor afflicted and despised ...
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The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
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daily afflicted soul it makes ... O miserable saints in heaven, should you be ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Describes an Effect which Proves the Prayer Spoken of in the Last ...
... Martin; [315] should these desires become very oppressive ... such uneasiness as we feel
when afflicted concerning any ... King.' [324] So felt other saints who retired ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter vi describes an effect.htm

Concerning the Martyrs.
... power, your blessed brother may not be afflicted: for he ... praise of men more than
the praise of God ... most holy Gabriel foretold that the saints should shine like ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning the martyrs.htm

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... the more proclaim it, and being afflicted, we will ... 4013] .' And being desirous that
we should always continue ... the walls of the enemy, like those saints who said ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm

Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... But Lazarus, after being afflicted in worldly things, found ... might live again, and
that death should no more ... the Scriptures, and listened to the saints, who said ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter x for 338 coss ursus.htm

Why all Things Work for Good
... of God say, " If I had not been afflicted, I had ... We read of saints with harps in
their hands (Revelation 14:2 ... our good, how right is it that we should make all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/why all things work for.htm

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