Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:5 & 42:11 & 43:5
Background
Many scholars believe that Psalm 42 and 43 are connected. Some believe that David was the writer. Some appoint authorship to others.
What we do know is that the psalmist over 11 verses repeated the same verse 3 times. Repetition implies the writer has an important message. The psalmist feels like they are almost trying to convince himself of this truth – even in difficult times it is important to put our hope in God. And to praise Him.
Much easier to write. Much more difficult to practice.
Reflections
Recently I saw Brian Johnson, worship leader of Bethel, deliver an insightful word to his worship team in advance of a worship performance. His message was that some day we will be in heaven on the other side of this world of pain and disappointment and hurt. And our praise at that time would be delivered from a position of joy and fullness.
And yet, on this earth we have an opportunity to present a gift to God of worship unlike that in eternity when all has been made whole. We can offer praise when all is not going well. And there must be a real sweetness in heaven about receiving a worship offering from a posture of faith; and belief in His goodness…when it is delivered at points in our lives where disappointment or pain are our most frequent companions.
Amen.
Lord, it is so easy for me to bring my most passionate praise to you when my emotions are positive. And all is going and feeling well. But when the pressures or pain of this world is pressing in, I frequently find my mind wandering. And worship becomes so much more difficult. I’m self absorbed. Please forgive me. I want to begin offering up sweet worship to you even when life is painful or uncertain or seems like it is crumbling. To give you something here in this life that even in heaven I won’t be able to offer. I love you. Amen.
What if we fixated on delivering our most heartfelt worship at times of disappointment and pain? What would it do to our faith? What would it do to our current attitudes and focus?
What if we were more sensitive about ensuring that our current emotions do not inhibit our worship focus?
What if... 