Praising the Lord, M.L.

I grew up in a Christian family. Both of my parents are devoted Christians. I was exposed to the writings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee at a young age; however, I did not begin to appreciate their writings until my high school years. One thing that impresses me from Watchman Nee and Witness Lee's writings is seeing that I can have experiences of the Lord in very practical, daily matters.

During my freshman year in college, I fell down the stairs and injured my back. As a result, it is painful for me to sit for more than one hour. Many times I would have to leave the church gatherings early. It is always hard for me to leave early because the meetings mean very much to me. One day I was in Irvine for a gathering and, as usual, I had to go back home halfway through the meeting. Feeling very disappointed, I drove up to my apartment in Los Angeles. On the way back, I complained to the Lord, “Do I not love you enough? Why can't I stay in the meeting with the brothers and sisters? Why do I always have to miss the meeting? Why do you stop me from doing something good?” Within me there was a lot of turmoil and discouragement. Then I remembered Watchman Nee's word in Messages for Building Up New Believers. In the chapter on “Praising the Lord,” he mentioned that our praising the Lord puts us above our problems. David was a man who faced many difficult situations. The Bible said that he prayed three times a day, but he praised the Lord seven times a day.

Recalling this portion from the book, I began to praise the Lord. At first I just whispered, “Praise the Lord.” After a while, from the depths of my being, I started to shout, “Praise the Lord!” As I repeatedly praised Him, I felt more and more released from my sorrow and self-pity. It was like opening a shaken can of soda, I was bursting out of my bubble of discouragement. Gradually and spontaneously, I began to praise Him for my car and for the chaotic L.A. traffic. I praised Him for my family, for my friends, and for all my relationships. At the top of my lungs, I praised the Lord for His lovely person and His marvelous work.

After I praised the Lord in such a way, I was completely out of my miserable self and got transferred into Christ. I was in another realm. What a privilege it is that I can experience Christ at any time, in any place, and in whatever situation I am in! Praise the Lord!