If you’re like me, you sometimes find it hard to sing or whistle when you’re discouraged.
I suppose that’s one of the reasons that Blues music is so popular — it gives a vicarious voice to people who want to express their sadness but just don’t have the emotional or mental readiness to do so.
You and I see this musical constriction demonstrated at our church services on a regular basis. Somebody comes in who looks visibly sad or troubled and they just don’t sing out as they have in happier times.
When the sadness is replaced by gladness, though, the voice of worship returns for the believer.
It’s true in my life and probably in yours, too.
This linkage of emotional status and devotional worship was something that King David was able to transcend.
Thank God for David’s depth of faith that allowed him to sing in the storms.
I want to be more like him.
Check out this passage from Psalm 57:4-8.
“I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among man-eating beasts, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
“They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves.
“My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.”
My goodness. When I’ve been surrounded at work by people who were attacking me, I haven’t spontaneously begun praising God as I should have. I’ve prayed to Him, all right, but I don’t know that I’ve praised Him to the extent that I should have.
I should have done better.
Listen, the next time that hassles from others are attempting to drag down your faith, lift up your voice. Praise the God who blesses you in far more ways than the world stresses you.
Don’t allow worries to steal your sleep, Instead, declare your trust in God with morning praise that awakens the dawn!
Singing praises to God while you’re in the shower will put the spirit world on notice that “No Vacancy” exists in your mind for bummed-out thinking.
As always, I love you
Martin
