Because human nature wants to focus on troubles, feelings, or perhaps a shaky future, many people have a hard time praising God during difficult circumstances.
But it’s possible to rise above human nature—at least some of the time. While David was hiding from Saul, he learned to praise God while living under great duress. Before he became King he even hid among neighboring tribes where Saul wouldn’t find him. At one point he hid with King Achish of Gath—among the Philistines—and pretended insanity so the Philistines wouldn’t kill him!
The introduction to Psalm 34 gives us an example of David's words written during times of extreme duress. As a result, we have this psalm of praise: “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. . . . I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. . . . O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him . . . The Lord is nigh [near] unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Ps. 34:1,4,8,18 KJV)
Praise lifted David out of despair into the wonder and glory of his God.
Originally published February 13, 1987.
Picture: Greater Twin City area, 2009. Photo by Solveig.
No comments:
Post a Comment