Followby Brian Waple
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1–2, NLT)
I have to admit, it’s kind of hard to find comfort in those words in recent days. We have a pandemic that just seems to be getting worse; the 2020 presidential election has left the country more divided than ever; for Elim, our pastor search doesn’t seem to be panning out as we had hoped; the governor’s latest announcement seems to be affecting churches in a way that is constricting how we worship; and flu season is upon us. There are many reasons to be discouraged.
Yet it is during these hard days that God calls us to cling to Him. In the Book of Psalms, we read how David, a man after God’s own heart, went through discouraging (and downright terrifying) times. He spoke to God often about his fears, his disillusions, his failings, God’s failings (as David saw it)—often as a result of things he had no control over. But David also acknowledges God’s grace and mercy and sovereignty in all things.
Psalm 10 begins as many of David’s psalms begin: from a place of anguish. “O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? (Psalm 10:1).” But David knows in his heart and soul that God is greater than his troubles, as we read in Psalm 11: “But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth (Psalm 11:4).”
I believe in my own heart and soul that God is greater than all that is happening right now. I believe that none of this has caught Him by surprise, and I believe that God is working through it all, although I may not see it. Still, I find myself experiencing periods of anguish and asking God, “Lord, when is this going to end?”
David finds his solace in praising his God. When he turns his attention to praise, he doesn’t dwell on what’s happening. It’s still happening, but his attention is focused on the One who is greater than all his troubles. It’s hard for me to want to praise when things are falling apart, but isn’t that what I am called to do? Throughout the Scriptures, God tells His people to “trust in Me.” I know that sounds too simple and naive, especially in these very, very complex times when we are desperately searching for answers. But as we read in Psalm 18, “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection (Psalm 18: 30).” Now, isn’t that worthy of our praise?
So, in many ways we can’t control what’s going on around us, whether it be this pandemic, or the election, or the pastor seach, or anything else. But, like David, we are called to trust and praise the One who can end this sickness . . . who can unite this country . . . who can bring a pastor to this church . . . and who will one day reign supreme!
I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. (Psalm 145:1–3)
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