Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Psalm 100:1-2 (NLT)
It was December. I know from experience that just before the holidays businesses seem to put everything on hold until after the beginning of the year. For a graphic art free-lancer, that can mean that work is pretty scarce.
I got a call from a project manager of large company who was familiar with my work. She said I would be perfect for their promotion. The project was going to take a couple of weeks, pay very well and even be a lot of fun. I thought, “Yes! We will have a good Christmas after all!” When I got off the phone, I thanked God for my good fortune and decided to put on some of my favorite praise & worship music.
I began making preparations for the work and singing along with the music. That’s when I received another call. The project had been cancelled. The project manager was very sorry, but they were not going to need my services. My heart sank. I went into a immediate depression. I got off the phone and went to turn off the music.
With my finger in mid-air over the volume button, I stopped. “Wait a minute,” A still, small voice 
asked me, “What has changed? Has God changed? Does God not deserve your praise now?”
I thought, “No, God hasn’t changed.”
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)
Only my situation has changed. God is still great. Still almighty. Still worthy.
I turned the volume up on the music and praised God even more energetically than I had before.
Soon my depression lifted. I knew God was still in control.
This would have been a great revelation even if it had ended there. But the next day the project manager called back and said that they had decided to go ahead with the project after all.
It is great to praise God is when things are going well. But, He is deserving of praise even when things look bad. Especially when things look bad.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100: 4-5 (NLT)
Dan Rabun