Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 1-070 Sunday 08 Apr 2001

Reading: PSALM 57 – PRAISING GOD FROM THE DEPTHS

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

When disaster strikes, it is easy to curse our fate rather than ask God to help us.

In these days of instant praise and glib hallelujahs, I find I am wary of church meetings which begin with ‘praise and worship’. In my part of the world [the Philippines] this is usually characterised by high powered singing and sometimes dancing as well. Drums roar, the electric guitar soars, cymbals clash and the piano skips and trills. A cacophony of human voices shout and sing to the high heavens.

Has God become deaf, I wonder. My amazement deepens, especially when, after all the excitement, I see faces returning to their original glum expressions! Praising God is not some thing we only do to begin Sunday morning worship, though it may help set the tone for the pastor’s sermon.

Rather, praise is a habit of the heart; a movement of the Spirit within our soul, making us burst into songs of adoration, regardless of our everyday circumstances. Or maybe it is our deliberate resolve to exalt God especially in difficult times. Our praise is at its purest and most urgent when we are down in the dumps for then it has nothing to do with us but everything to do with the Lord.

David demonstrated this truth in today’s psalm. Running from King Saul, he hid in a cave (See 1 Sam 22:1,24). Terrified, David cried out to God for mercy, and when he was assured of his presence he was able to control his feelings. Then, comforted, he awoke in the morning ready to sing, to make music, to enjoy exalting the love and faithfulness of God by letting his voice reverberate across the arid desert and even ‘above the heavens’ (vs 5,11).

By exalting God, David was able to put his situation into proper perspective (v 2a). By resolving to praise him, David was freed from his fear.

‘Grant me the courage to praise you, God, despite my difficulties. Amen.’

– Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano

Copyright Scripture Union, 2001