From Sunrise to Sunset — Choosing Praise in the Middle of Uncertainty Psalm 113:3 (KJV)

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.” — Psalm 113:3 (KJV)

This week, these words hit differently.

On Monday, my mother and I will travel to Houston to be with my brother and family, as he faces surgery for brain cancer. Just writing those words brings a lump to my throat. My heart is heavy, and yes — there’s fear, uncertainty, and a thousand questions I don’t have answers to. But even in the middle of it all, this verse from Psalm 113 keeps rising in my spirit like a steady heartbeat:

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.”

How do you praise in a week like this one?

How do you lift your hands when your heart feels so burdened?

How do you worship when the outcome is unknown?

Praise Is Not About Circumstances

This verse gently reminds me that praise isn’t about how things look — it’s about who God is. Circumstances may shift. Emotions may rise and fall. But God never changes. He is just as worthy of worship in a hospital waiting room as He is on the mountaintop. From the sunrise of joy to the sunset of uncertainty, He remains faithful — and He remains God.

There’s something powerful, even defiant, about choosing to praise when it’s hardest. It’s not denial — it’s a declaration. It’s looking fear in the face and saying, “You don’t get the final word — God does.” It’s standing firm in the storm and proclaiming, “My God is still good, still near, still in control.” And I believe that He is working even now — behind the scenes, within our hearts, and through every moment we walk through together.

Carrying Praise With Me

As I pack my bags and prepare to walk alongside my brother through this surgery — and whatever comes after — I’m not just bringing clothes or necessities. I’m bringing praise. I’m bringing faith. I’m bringing a heart that refuses to let fear write the story. Praise might not always sound like a song or look like a smile — sometimes it will be a quiet breath of trust, a whispered, “Jesus, help us,” or just standing firm when the weight feels heavy. But from morning to night, I will lift my eyes to the One who holds my brother, my family, and this entire situation in His sovereign, healing hands. I believe He is working, and I believe He will be glorified.

An Invitation to You

Maybe you’re walking through something heavy too. If so, let this verse be a lifeline:

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.”

Not because everything is okay — but because God is still on the throne. Not because we feel strong — but because He is strong for us.

Reflection Questions:

• What does it look like to praise God in the middle of uncertainty?

• Where have I seen His faithfulness in difficult times before?

• How can I gently encourage others to worship through their own trials?

Prayer:

Lord, this week is hard — but You are greater. I may not know exactly how everything will unfold, but I do know this: You are with us, You go before us, and You are fighting on our behalf.

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, I will praise You — not because everything is simple or certain, but because You are sovereign, good, and worthy. You are the God who heals, who restores, who gives peace in chaos and light in darkness.

So I declare victory in Jesus’ name — over fear, over sickness, over doubt. I place my brother in Your capable, healing hands. I place my family in Your peace. And I place myself at Your feet, trusting You every step of the way.

Be glorified through it all — in the hospital room, in the waiting, in the outcome. Let Your name be praised from morning to night. This story is Yours, and I trust You with it. Amen.