Praise

4/15/24

Today’s Scripture reading came from the stories of Saul and David in 1 Samuel. Saul’s jealousy and insecurity have him coming completely unglued when it comes to David. David is on the run, an outlaw much like Robin Hood, chased and hounded from place to place. He has some narrow escapes, and it is in these circumstances that he pens Psalms 52, 57, and 142, where he cries out for help.

”Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness…But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I will praise You forever, Because You have done it; And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for it is good.“ —Psalm 52:1, 3, 8-9 

”My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise. I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations.“

—Psalm 57:7, 9 

”When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me. Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul. Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name; The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me.” —Psalm 142:3-4, 7 

David’s words of praise weren’t uttered in beautiful palaces, temples with stained glass and exquisite architecture. They didn’t spring from places of security and peace, but came from times of anxiety and danger, of fear and worry. We often imagine that once things in our lives get straightened out, when we have more time or money or better health, then we’ll be able to praise the Lord, but not now; not in the middle of raising kids, taking tests, a failing economy and broken relationships. 

One of the messages of these psalms is that no matter what our circumstances, today—right now—is the time to worship and praise God. Anyone can do it when all is well. But you aren’t just anyone; you are a believer in Jesus, a follower of the Way, a child of God, and one in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. If these words describe you, praise God even in the storm.