WORSHIP WHILE YOU WAIT

[This is the sixth of fourteen passages that sustained me in the while in the dark.]

4 I am in the midst of lions;

       I lie among ravenous beasts—

       men whose teeth are spears and arrows,

       whose tongues are sharp swords.

 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

       let your glory be over all the earth.

 6 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.

       Selah

 7 My heart is steadfast, O God,

       my heart is steadfast;

       I will sing and make music.

 8 Awake, my soul!

       Awake, harp and lyre!

       I will awaken the dawn.

 9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;

       I will sing of you among the peoples.

 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

       your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

       let your glory be over all the earth.   Psalm 57

The images of lions and beasts, and evil people with spears, arrows, and swords graphically depicted how I felt when the lights went out in my life. Demons and the people they inhabited wanted me defeated, if not dead. (Someone actually said they wished I would just die!)

God’s prescription for resisting darkness like this is worship. I’m not talking about praising God so I’d get my way or so my trials would disappear. That’s not worship – that’s negotiation. What he prescribes here is a heartfelt and sincere worship because it’s right – for the privilege of it. It may or may not activate a change of my circumstances, but it will surely transform me.

“I know your life is awful right now, but I want to remind that my faithful love for you exceeds the height of heaven. Choose steadfastly to acknowledge how glorious I am. Align yourself with what I’m like and with how I’ve arranged the world with me seated on the highest chair. Even in your regrettable situation, wrest your soul to worship me. Worship me whether in a cave or in a palace, in the dark of night or in the light of day. I’m the same either way. Worship me.” Jesus