By Racheal Gitonga

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines… Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon my high places.” ~ Habakkuk 3:17–19

There is a mysterious and powerful truth woven through scripture: praise lifts. It elevates the spirit, transforms the atmosphere, and opens gates no man can shut. In moments of barrenness and disappointment, when nothing seems to be working, praise becomes the defiant song of faith. Habakkuk, standing amid a landscape stripped of fruit and promise, made a choice—I will rejoice. That was his turning point.

To the beloved people of South Sudan, this is a word in season. We are a people striving to rebuild, to heal, to stand tall again. But let us not forget: if the adversary cannot silence your praise, he cannot stop your rising. Praise is not just a song; it is a weapon. It is a lifting force.

Scripture shows us many who rose through praise, but none as compelling as David. Called the sweet psalmist of Israel, David was not only a king, he was a worshipper. His praise life set him apart. Despite rejection, betrayal, warfare, and rebellion—even from his own son—David could not be kept down. Why? Because he was anchored in praise. Seven times a day, he praised the Lord, and the hand of God lifted him again and again.

To us, South Sudan, praise is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the sound of hope in the midst of silence. It is light in the shadow of despair. If the enemy wants to trap a nation in the valley, he first attacks its song. But when a people choose to bless the Lord in the midst of pain, their feet are made like hinds’ feet, strong and steady on the heights.

Praise draws the presence of God. And the presence of God changes everything. It brings favour, healing, strategy, strength, and hope. When praise is restored to a people, so is their dignity and destiny.

So even now, let your voice rise. Let families sing again. Let churches ring with thanksgiving. Let leaders and labourers alike declare that God is good, and His mercy endures forever. Let the ground of this nation tremble with worship, for where praise goes, God inhabits.

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life. Thank You for clothing us with a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness. Thank You for all You have done, and for all You are yet to do. We lift up the nation of South Sudan, a people chosen and deeply loved by You. In this time of trial and tension, we call on You to silence conflict and speak peace. Heal our land, Lord. Unite our hearts. Let our praise rise and Your glory descend. In Jesus’ name. Amen.