In this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journey. The following blog is from Donna Renay Patrick, author of “It’s in Your Praise!” and “At All Times” For more information on the author visit her website, Twitter and Facebook page. To begin your self-publishing journey, get a free WestBow Press publishing guide today.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. (Psalm 145:3)
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)
Never did I think I would be an author of a book about praise and worship. About 20 years ago, upon entering this ministry area, God lit a fire under me that is still burning. The more I knew the more I wanted to know. I had been a musician for most of my life, but God began to show me that there is so much more to praise and worship than just great music; He showed me in the Word of God why praise, worship, and music don’t always come in the same package. Neither praise nor worship is about a great song; they are about what is in your heart. You can sing beautifully, and still have a heart that is devoid of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
As we experience difficult situations in our lives we sometimes ask ourselves, “What reason do I have to keep praising God while I’m going through such a terrible time?” You have EVERY reason! Not only are you under divine mandate to praise Him, but God will always deserve our praise. It might take a change in perspective.
Praising God
My first book, At All Times, was birthed from the belief that no matter what we go through in life the praises of God are always in order. I wanted to change hearts and thought processes concerning praising God. In the chapter, God Has Given Us Weapons: Are You Using Yours? the point is made that one of the weapons we have against the enemy is our praise! In 2 Chronicles chapter 20 King Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah praised God on their way to what they thought was a battlefield. Instead, what they found were the dead bodies of their enemies! Why? Because God moved in their praises and destroyed the enemy.
In the chapter, Praising God Ahead of Schedule, you will discover you don’t have to wait until God manifests the answer to your prayer. When you praise God BEFORE your prayer is answered it is an incredible act of faith! It says to God, “I trust You to handle this situation for me. Thank You, Jesus!” Psalm 138:8 speaks to us, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: your mercy, O Lord, endures forever. . .” That’s a good reason to praise Him ahead of schedule.
Self-Publishing with WestBow Press
My self-publishing experience was incredibly rewarding. I learned how important it is to choose a publisher who really understands your vision, and will not water down your message. The assistance and mentoring I received from Westbow Press were invaluable. The consultant assigned to me every step of the process was professional, prompt in responding to my questions, and patient during the editing process. My biggest challenge as a self-published author is marketing. Along the way, I have met people more knowledgeable than I am, and have certainly heeded their wisdom. Early on, I was told that having a book is your business card to get you into various places. I have since learned that my book is not my business card; it is my business, and that is how I began to approach it!
Writing a book is a very large investment of time and resources. But it has been exceptionally rewarding to have written two books now on what I am most passionate about – praise and worship training and development.
WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books are invited to do so through the Blog Guidelines Page. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, punctuation, and length.