"And the LORD afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick. David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm. But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" They said, "He is dead." Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate." 2 Samuel 12. 15-20
Have you ever found yourself in an incredibly difficult season of life, and the last thing you felt like doing in your pain was worshipping God? Nobody can hear your answer, so you can be honest with yourself. I will be honest with you and say that I have been there a few times. In fact, I was just there, and even yet find myself there at my low points.
A few weeks ago I wrote to you that I was going through the most difficult season of my life, as I shared with you the importance of staying connected to the true vine, Jesus, as John 15 illustrates. These past four weeks have been without a doubt, by far, the hardest of my 26 years. I have felt a pain I never thought existed.
When I first experienced the loss that brought me into this season, the last thing I felt like doing was worshipping God. I couldn't even say anything because the tears were overwhelming. I just collapsed onto the ground and felt a piece of myself die on the inside. Worship was not my first inclination...doubt was.
I wish I would have been stronger, but I wasn't. However, I soon discovered the story of David in 2 Samuel 12, when he experienced the loss of his son. I was amazed as I read this heart wrenching story.
I can't even imagine the loss of a child, yet David finds himself in this situation. For me, though as heart wrenching as the story is, it has offered me much encouragement. Why? Because it directed me to worship my loving Father rather than to sit in my suffering.
I don't know if you could find a much better example to worship God, no matter how hard the season, than this example that David has shown us. After he hears of the death of his son, he gets up, gets clean, and goes into the House of the Lord to worship.
All I can say is...wow.
It's easy to worship God, and to praise Him when life is good for us. But what if life isn't so good for a season? Whats if it's hard? Maybe it's hard for you right now, like me. Oh, we must worship God all the more! When the season is dark, difficult, and we don't feel much like doing anything but crying, cry out to God! That is when our faith is most tested and we need God the most.
Remember, regardless of the season, God is always good! Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, He is good! Remember the eternal gift He has given you through His only Son, Jesus Christ. That's enough to make me want to worship! Because I know that no matter how heart wrenching my own season is right now, one day I will be able to sit at the supper table with God himself for the banquet of all banquets, and it will be there in His heavenly presence that I will find no more suffering. Ever. And that alone, aside from all the other blessings He has bestowed upon me, lifts my heart to worship.
I don't share this story of mine for pity or attention...in fact, being transparent is very hard for me. I share this with you so that I may encourage you to not make the same mistake I did by containing my suffering, instead of releasing my worship. My prayer for you would be that you would learn how to release worship in your life. That when the wind blows and beats down on you, your first inclination would be to worship God! And there watch Him intervene with His neverending love.
Showing posts with label worship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worship. Show all posts
Psalm 62.5-12 (Message)
What an awe-inspiring and humbling psalm this is from David. As soon as my eyes locked on the words in verse 1, my mind immediately began to dissect what David is saying. I wanted to understand the psalm because it was so powerful and indeed one giving great glory to God.
"God, the one and only..." You will not find one person on this earth, now or ever, who even comes close to comparing with Him. So why do we put people on pedestals or rely so much on others? When really think about it, we do so often fall into this trap. I find it interesting that David, having a great mentor in Samuel, a close friend in Jonathan, and many other wonderful people in his life I'm sure, highlights to the reader that God is the one and only. With people like that in your life, it could be easy to form an attachment to the relationship; but not David. We know these words were very important to him because he inserted them into the psalm twice!
"I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not?" These words were huge for me. I would say in the last year the two big lessons for me have been trust and timing. What is so vital for us to get a hold of is God's perfect timing...for everything. And I do mean everything. When we do, we wont be disappointed or discouraged when that opportunity doesn't open up, or the money doesn't come in on time, or so may other scenarios that will pop up in life. We wont be dismayed because we know that at the perfect time, it will happen. Besides, I would rather wait for His time than botch up an opportunity on my time. Waiting on God means that we have constant dependence on Him.
"He's solid rock under my feet [salvation], breathing room for my soul [freedom], an impregnable castle [security]: I'm set for life." [denotes my thoughts]. When we serve God, everything we could hope for or need is ours. Hope (verse 6) and need (salvation, freedom, security) covers everything. You will lack nothing!
"So trust him completely, people; lay your lives on the line for him." Trust. I think that David is trying to warn us in this verse and the next few that we must be careful to trust men. Yes, trust God completely. In fact, lay your life on the line for Him. But be careful not to put your hope and trust in men. They will fail you. With or without intention, people will always fail you because they are human. This doesn't mean not hoping for the best in people, but rather not looking to them for what you need. Only God will always come through. "God is a safe place."
You want to give your life to something, give it to God. You want to bet your life on another, bet it on God. You want freedom and security, trust in God. Only in Him will you find the life worth living and the wholeness you desire.
"Strength comes straight from God. Love to you, Lord God."
What an awe-inspiring and humbling psalm this is from David. As soon as my eyes locked on the words in verse 1, my mind immediately began to dissect what David is saying. I wanted to understand the psalm because it was so powerful and indeed one giving great glory to God.
"God, the one and only..." You will not find one person on this earth, now or ever, who even comes close to comparing with Him. So why do we put people on pedestals or rely so much on others? When really think about it, we do so often fall into this trap. I find it interesting that David, having a great mentor in Samuel, a close friend in Jonathan, and many other wonderful people in his life I'm sure, highlights to the reader that God is the one and only. With people like that in your life, it could be easy to form an attachment to the relationship; but not David. We know these words were very important to him because he inserted them into the psalm twice!
"I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not?" These words were huge for me. I would say in the last year the two big lessons for me have been trust and timing. What is so vital for us to get a hold of is God's perfect timing...for everything. And I do mean everything. When we do, we wont be disappointed or discouraged when that opportunity doesn't open up, or the money doesn't come in on time, or so may other scenarios that will pop up in life. We wont be dismayed because we know that at the perfect time, it will happen. Besides, I would rather wait for His time than botch up an opportunity on my time. Waiting on God means that we have constant dependence on Him.
"He's solid rock under my feet [salvation], breathing room for my soul [freedom], an impregnable castle [security]: I'm set for life." [denotes my thoughts]. When we serve God, everything we could hope for or need is ours. Hope (verse 6) and need (salvation, freedom, security) covers everything. You will lack nothing!
"So trust him completely, people; lay your lives on the line for him." Trust. I think that David is trying to warn us in this verse and the next few that we must be careful to trust men. Yes, trust God completely. In fact, lay your life on the line for Him. But be careful not to put your hope and trust in men. They will fail you. With or without intention, people will always fail you because they are human. This doesn't mean not hoping for the best in people, but rather not looking to them for what you need. Only God will always come through. "God is a safe place."
You want to give your life to something, give it to God. You want to bet your life on another, bet it on God. You want freedom and security, trust in God. Only in Him will you find the life worth living and the wholeness you desire.
"Strength comes straight from God. Love to you, Lord God."
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encouragement,
worship
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The last few weeks, whenever I put myself to write for you, I have been burdened with a message of worship and thanksgiving. Today is no different; I suppose God still has a word for us in regards to both.
I believe this for good reason. Two weeks ago we looked at Psalm 34, and we can see that our primary reason for living is to worship God and to encourage others in worship.
Psalm 86, which we looked at last week, not only directs us to worship, but to worship with complete and undivided praise.
A verse that continues to play over and over again in my mind is Ephesians 5.3, “thanksgiving is our dialect.” A dialect is a characteristic of a specific people group, or a language particular to the members of a group. What Paul is illustrating to the Ephesians is that their dialect must be different than that of the worlds. As Christians, our language particular to our family is that of thanksgiving. It is a characteristic that sets us apart.
My prayer is that when people talk with you, they would notice a dialect of worship and thanksgiving, and would be pointed to God as the source of your language. My prayer is that Christians all across the world would rise up with a collective voice of praise and honor to our God. One that the world can’t ignore.
Those who magnified the Lord to the highest degree are the ones who saw God work most; they knew the importance and necessity of worship.
I can’t help but think of Moses as the battle with the Amalekites played before his eyes. As long as his arms were lifted high, the battle was theirs. (Exodus 17)
Or how God delivered Jehoshaphat and Judah out of the hands of multiple armies, all because men were placed at the front of the army to go ahead and say, “give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” As soon as the men began to praise, God turned the enemies on each other and when Judah reached the top of the hill, every man from the enemies camp was killed. They didn’t even have to fight! (2 Chronicles 20)
Or how Paul and Silas praised God in prison in the middle of the night, and their chains were released. (Acts 16) These are but a few records of many that highlight a life of worship.
If praise releases Gods power and favor, imagine what could happen if His people began speaking with a dialect of praise. A dialect that doesn’t turn on and off, but a dialect that is heavily noticed by others and consistent in the believers speech. I can’t help but be excited and a bit saddened by this thought all at the same time. Excited because the potential is so great and very beneficial as God pours out His favor on us, but saddened because so many of us fail to develop a dialect noticed by others.
If I could pray one prayer for you this week (and believe me, I will), it would be that you would learn to speak the dialect of thanksgiving. Place scriptures where you spend the most time, either ones I have mentioned or others you have read in Scripture, that will encourage and remind you to cultivate worship in your life. Spend time alone with God where you do nothing but relish in His presence. While you’re cleaning the house or driving in the car, turn up the worship (this happens to be a favorite activity of mine. Yes, I’m that person who belts it in the car...off key). Carry thanksgiving into your conversations with other people. Find a way to take small moments throughout your day that will direct worship and thanksgiving above.
To recap what we have learned thus far about worship and thanksgiving:
1. It is our primary reason for living.
2. It must be undivided.
3. It should be consistent & clear in our language.
I am excited about what God is speaking in my heart, and hopefully in yours, as we study His Word in regards to worship and thanksgiving. I would enjoy your thoughts, testimonies and feedback on worship and thanksgiving. Let’s rise to the challenge!
I believe this for good reason. Two weeks ago we looked at Psalm 34, and we can see that our primary reason for living is to worship God and to encourage others in worship.
Psalm 86, which we looked at last week, not only directs us to worship, but to worship with complete and undivided praise.
A verse that continues to play over and over again in my mind is Ephesians 5.3, “thanksgiving is our dialect.” A dialect is a characteristic of a specific people group, or a language particular to the members of a group. What Paul is illustrating to the Ephesians is that their dialect must be different than that of the worlds. As Christians, our language particular to our family is that of thanksgiving. It is a characteristic that sets us apart.
My prayer is that when people talk with you, they would notice a dialect of worship and thanksgiving, and would be pointed to God as the source of your language. My prayer is that Christians all across the world would rise up with a collective voice of praise and honor to our God. One that the world can’t ignore.
Those who magnified the Lord to the highest degree are the ones who saw God work most; they knew the importance and necessity of worship.
I can’t help but think of Moses as the battle with the Amalekites played before his eyes. As long as his arms were lifted high, the battle was theirs. (Exodus 17)
Or how God delivered Jehoshaphat and Judah out of the hands of multiple armies, all because men were placed at the front of the army to go ahead and say, “give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” As soon as the men began to praise, God turned the enemies on each other and when Judah reached the top of the hill, every man from the enemies camp was killed. They didn’t even have to fight! (2 Chronicles 20)
Or how Paul and Silas praised God in prison in the middle of the night, and their chains were released. (Acts 16) These are but a few records of many that highlight a life of worship.
If praise releases Gods power and favor, imagine what could happen if His people began speaking with a dialect of praise. A dialect that doesn’t turn on and off, but a dialect that is heavily noticed by others and consistent in the believers speech. I can’t help but be excited and a bit saddened by this thought all at the same time. Excited because the potential is so great and very beneficial as God pours out His favor on us, but saddened because so many of us fail to develop a dialect noticed by others.
If I could pray one prayer for you this week (and believe me, I will), it would be that you would learn to speak the dialect of thanksgiving. Place scriptures where you spend the most time, either ones I have mentioned or others you have read in Scripture, that will encourage and remind you to cultivate worship in your life. Spend time alone with God where you do nothing but relish in His presence. While you’re cleaning the house or driving in the car, turn up the worship (this happens to be a favorite activity of mine. Yes, I’m that person who belts it in the car...off key). Carry thanksgiving into your conversations with other people. Find a way to take small moments throughout your day that will direct worship and thanksgiving above.
To recap what we have learned thus far about worship and thanksgiving:
1. It is our primary reason for living.
2. It must be undivided.
3. It should be consistent & clear in our language.
I am excited about what God is speaking in my heart, and hopefully in yours, as we study His Word in regards to worship and thanksgiving. I would enjoy your thoughts, testimonies and feedback on worship and thanksgiving. Let’s rise to the challenge!
Category:
praise,
worship
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comments
Psalm 86 (MSG) is one of the five Tephillahs or “prayers” in the psalms, and is a prayer of Davids. It’s a beautiful and powerful prayer, one that has done much to encourage my heart. It is the insert of praise within the prayer that I find especially nice.
For today, I would like to look specifically at the latter part of the psalm, beginning in verse 11. David says, “train me, God, to walk straight.” The KJV puts it, “teach me thy way, O Lord.” I don’t know what it is, but something about this particular verse in the KJV in this context is so intimate. “Teach me thy way, O Lord.” Don’t you want to repeat it a hundred times!
We are to be constant students in the school of God. Ever learning, and desiring to learn, from the King of Kings. David willfully wanted to follow God. I like Charles Spurgeons commentary, “not my way give me, but thy way teach me.” That is my daily prayer if I’ve ever had one.
David takes it a step further by taking it to the heart. “Put me together, one heart AND mind.” To be made whole, undivided. A (wo)man divided can not stand, but a (wo)man made whole can “worship in joyful fear.” We are being called to rise up as women undivided in heart and mind, free from any fear but holy awe.
Praise should never be lifted unless it is whole. When we give anything but, it is not complete, therefore it is not real and authentic. God doesn’t deserve divided and conflicted praise, but whole heart and mind within the avenue of glory we give above.
In verse 13 David continues with, “You've always been great toward me—what love!” I really don’t know what I could put here that would highlight your understanding of it any better. We all have come from a low place; we are all sinners who botched it up. But those of us who know the immeasurable grace and mercy of God can testify that He has been great towards us! Which is indeed an incredible love!
“But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit.” Verse 15 is without a doubt my favorite verse in this psalm. David has just talked about the enemies rising against him and continues the thought with, “BUT.” But God is tender.kind.not easily angered.immense in love.and He never quits. What a contrast he has painted for us!
David turns to bold requests at the end of the psalm. “So look me in the eye and show kindness.” I’m pretty sure that’s a bold request...and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to ask God to look you in the eye. Don’t be afraid to ask for His attention and kindness. By asking this, David is asking for mercy and strength. “Give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child!” When God gives us His strength, we are sufficient in all times.
With one last bold request, David says, “Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, as you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.” God makes a show of His love for us by taking care of us. By saying “make a show,” David is asking God to assure him of His mercy by delivering him out of his current trouble.
We serve a pretty amazing God. And it must be our desire to understand Him that nudges us to move forward as students eager to learn. Students of our mighty God made whole in heart and mind. It must be our pursuit of God and His truth that defines us. And it will be within our pursuit, bearing fruits of praise, that we will see God show us (and others) how much He loves us!
For today, I would like to look specifically at the latter part of the psalm, beginning in verse 11. David says, “train me, God, to walk straight.” The KJV puts it, “teach me thy way, O Lord.” I don’t know what it is, but something about this particular verse in the KJV in this context is so intimate. “Teach me thy way, O Lord.” Don’t you want to repeat it a hundred times!
We are to be constant students in the school of God. Ever learning, and desiring to learn, from the King of Kings. David willfully wanted to follow God. I like Charles Spurgeons commentary, “not my way give me, but thy way teach me.” That is my daily prayer if I’ve ever had one.
David takes it a step further by taking it to the heart. “Put me together, one heart AND mind.” To be made whole, undivided. A (wo)man divided can not stand, but a (wo)man made whole can “worship in joyful fear.” We are being called to rise up as women undivided in heart and mind, free from any fear but holy awe.
Praise should never be lifted unless it is whole. When we give anything but, it is not complete, therefore it is not real and authentic. God doesn’t deserve divided and conflicted praise, but whole heart and mind within the avenue of glory we give above.
In verse 13 David continues with, “You've always been great toward me—what love!” I really don’t know what I could put here that would highlight your understanding of it any better. We all have come from a low place; we are all sinners who botched it up. But those of us who know the immeasurable grace and mercy of God can testify that He has been great towards us! Which is indeed an incredible love!
“But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit.” Verse 15 is without a doubt my favorite verse in this psalm. David has just talked about the enemies rising against him and continues the thought with, “BUT.” But God is tender.kind.not easily angered.immense in love.and He never quits. What a contrast he has painted for us!
David turns to bold requests at the end of the psalm. “So look me in the eye and show kindness.” I’m pretty sure that’s a bold request...and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to ask God to look you in the eye. Don’t be afraid to ask for His attention and kindness. By asking this, David is asking for mercy and strength. “Give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child!” When God gives us His strength, we are sufficient in all times.
With one last bold request, David says, “Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, as you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.” God makes a show of His love for us by taking care of us. By saying “make a show,” David is asking God to assure him of His mercy by delivering him out of his current trouble.
We serve a pretty amazing God. And it must be our desire to understand Him that nudges us to move forward as students eager to learn. Students of our mighty God made whole in heart and mind. It must be our pursuit of God and His truth that defines us. And it will be within our pursuit, bearing fruits of praise, that we will see God show us (and others) how much He loves us!
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prayer,
psalms,
worship
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One of my favorite things about God and His Word is the constant relationship between the two. And how neither will ever change. There is something very trusting and safe in knowing that the One on the other side of the relationship will never give up on you, and that the promises that coincide with that relationship will never be empty.
I love (and I use that word very seriously) that God and His Word are always for me. And not just for me, but for everyone. It’s universal! One of the best experiences in life happens when you are going through a season and God sends you Scripture that is perfect in it’s timing. It’s food in season that you desperately hold onto and feed yourself with.
Right now that food for me is Psalm 34. I can’ t tell you how much this Psalm has fed my soul in the last few weeks. It’s a Psalm of praise, and a Psalm of wisdom instruction. Both key disciplines in the spiritual walk of a believer.
The first verse is my favorite. “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This may sound ridiculous, but when I first began incorporating this psalm into my walk a few weeks ago, I put in my phone calendar this verse, and scheduled random reminders for it. So throughout the day and the week, I was getting reminders to praise God.
I’m not embarrassed to admit I need a little help in this. The Bible says that our minds are hostile towards God (Romans 8.7); naturally, it does not desire to contemplate on His goodness, so sometimes I may need a little reminder to do just that.
Oh, how I long to be known as a person who continually praises God. That’s are primary purpose and first calling...to give glory to God. And not only to be known as a person who does so, but to be one that encourages others to do so. Verse 3 says, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me,and let us exalt his name together!”
Definitions of magnify include: to make greater in size, to enlarge, to extol.
This means that my primary reason for breathing is to enlarge God not only in my life, but to encourage it in the lives of others.
I know I said verse 1 is my favorite, but I happen to have another favorite part (let’s be real, I can’t have a favorite when it comes to the Word of God...it’s all so good!). Five times in this Psalm, the word “all” is used (ESV).
V. 4: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
V. 6: “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”
V. 17: “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their
troubles.”
V. 19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
V. 20: “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
If that doesn’t encourage your heart, I don’t know what would? Not only do we serve a God that is unchanging, but we serve a God that delivers us out of ALL our troubles. We can be confident in the promises of God. We can be confident in the promise that He will take care of ALL our problems.
The key to receiving the blessings of God is a consistency of worship in the life of the believer. Verse 9 (MSG) says, “Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.” Perhaps you’re facing an uphill battle? Maybe worship and praise is one of the last things on your mind? I’ve been there many times, but each time I learn how much more important it is to praise. At all times.
The final verse in the psalm says, “God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.” He’s already purchased your freedom and the victory is His already. Which means the victory is yours! Know that You can’t lose when you run to God!
I love (and I use that word very seriously) that God and His Word are always for me. And not just for me, but for everyone. It’s universal! One of the best experiences in life happens when you are going through a season and God sends you Scripture that is perfect in it’s timing. It’s food in season that you desperately hold onto and feed yourself with.
Right now that food for me is Psalm 34. I can’ t tell you how much this Psalm has fed my soul in the last few weeks. It’s a Psalm of praise, and a Psalm of wisdom instruction. Both key disciplines in the spiritual walk of a believer.
The first verse is my favorite. “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This may sound ridiculous, but when I first began incorporating this psalm into my walk a few weeks ago, I put in my phone calendar this verse, and scheduled random reminders for it. So throughout the day and the week, I was getting reminders to praise God.
I’m not embarrassed to admit I need a little help in this. The Bible says that our minds are hostile towards God (Romans 8.7); naturally, it does not desire to contemplate on His goodness, so sometimes I may need a little reminder to do just that.
Oh, how I long to be known as a person who continually praises God. That’s are primary purpose and first calling...to give glory to God. And not only to be known as a person who does so, but to be one that encourages others to do so. Verse 3 says, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me,and let us exalt his name together!”
Definitions of magnify include: to make greater in size, to enlarge, to extol.
This means that my primary reason for breathing is to enlarge God not only in my life, but to encourage it in the lives of others.
I know I said verse 1 is my favorite, but I happen to have another favorite part (let’s be real, I can’t have a favorite when it comes to the Word of God...it’s all so good!). Five times in this Psalm, the word “all” is used (ESV).
V. 4: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
V. 6: “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”
V. 17: “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their
troubles.”
V. 19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
V. 20: “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
If that doesn’t encourage your heart, I don’t know what would? Not only do we serve a God that is unchanging, but we serve a God that delivers us out of ALL our troubles. We can be confident in the promises of God. We can be confident in the promise that He will take care of ALL our problems.
The key to receiving the blessings of God is a consistency of worship in the life of the believer. Verse 9 (MSG) says, “Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.” Perhaps you’re facing an uphill battle? Maybe worship and praise is one of the last things on your mind? I’ve been there many times, but each time I learn how much more important it is to praise. At all times.
The final verse in the psalm says, “God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.” He’s already purchased your freedom and the victory is His already. Which means the victory is yours! Know that You can’t lose when you run to God!
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encouragement,
praise,
psalms,
trials,
worship
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