On most days, struggling to catch my breath is not a problem. But in a smoke-filled room, everything changed. Instead of breathing freely in a clear space, I fought a fog of toxins trying to take over my lungs.

The battleground was my kitchen. Searing a few pieces of fish requires a well-heated pan. My pan was heated too well. As smoke billowed around me, turning on the fan and opening a window provided the proper ventilation. In a matter of minutes, the smoke cleared.

If only a flip of a switch was the solution to life’s battles. Complications in our relationships, our health or our goals would dissipate like the burning fish smell in my kitchen. Thankfully, in Psalm 150, we’re given a window of opportunity to stir something powerful within us.

“Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)” (Psalms 150:6 AMP)

I love the Amplified Bible’s translation of this verse. Most translations don’t include the phrase “and every breath of life” or the parenthetical “Hallelujah!” However, the psalmist promotes praise as an every moment action from every living creature. At first, it sounds impractical as we consider our range of emotions or our many tasks.

And yet, because of Christ’s redemption, we are able to thrive in situations that could stifle our ability to function. Praising God takes the power out of my stifle. It allows me to affirm Him, not because He needs it. I do. It heightens my sense of His presence and power. It involves me thanking God, admiring Him, and lauding His name, His works and His character. (see Psalm 100)

Instead of flinching at a problem, what if our reflex was to give God praise?

We may wonder how He will move on our behalf or when He’ll right a wrong. But what if we let a hallelujah rise higher than our questions? I admit, some days my praise meter reads much lower than it should. Maybe yours does too. Yet, God longs to remove the toxins of unbelief, fear and anxiety trying to take over our faith. Each toxin takes up space in the soul where a praise could form. Each praise could express our trust in God. (see Psalm 22:3 and 4)

As we consider His mercy, faithfulness, and love, what if we breathed like His grace is our oxygen?

Although it is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, oxygen is a life-giving substance. Without it, every living thing ceases to function. Yet, God’s grace in Christ is unearned and unchanged. Sadly, it may go unnoticed.

After my pan searing fiasco, I stepped outside for some fresh air. Taking deep breaths helped me to relax before attempting to redo dinner. The gentle breezes served as a reminder. God’s grace is not just a place to regroup. It’s a reason to give Him praise.

Prayer: Dear God, You know all the smoke-filled places in me where fears lurk, failures shout and I struggle to function. But today, I breathe deeply in Your grace. I inhale the reality of Christ’s redemption and exhale any hindrances to Your will. In all things, because of all of who You are, may I always remember to give You praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Joy to the Soul: “Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)” (Psalms 150:6 AMP)