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I Will Praise You, Lord

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by 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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RIGHT NOW!

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Jeff Foerster

Hazard! Warning! Attention! These words demand a response. So, too, does the present moment demand a response. Some have begun by giving in to fear—engaging in panic buying (or selling) and similar activity. But this is not the way of Jesus.

This time is a gift. By way of governmental authority, we have been given a “time-out.” However, many of our service workers, especially health care professionals, are working overtime in an environment of exposure. These are our “soldiers” in this fight on the front lines, risking themselves to protect many. They and their families need our support, including prayer.

For the rest of us, we’ve been enlisted to participate by not participating. We’ve been asked to stay home. Restaurants are closed for dining, movie theaters and sports arenas are shuttered, and travel has been inhibited. Some of us are more vulnerable and have isolated from nearly all physical social contact to avoid infection. For most, this leads to more time at home. What to do?

You may have read an article or watched a video describing options to pass the time away. “Stay busy,” they say. Tackle your to-do list, binge watch a whole season, try out a new recipe, give in to anxiety. Okay, so I added last one. Instead, I’d like to offer you a couple of different options:

  • Look out!
  • Do nothing.

Look out for the needs of others. Pray for our nation and our leaders in each area and level of government. They need God’s help. They need His salvation. Also, find others to connect with digitally or virtually, by web or by phone. Use this time even as an excuse to call someone that you haven’t before. Be proactive in asking what needs others have, and seek to be generous. Look for opportunity outside our church body as well. Share what you find with others and remember that your words and actions contain power. Watch diligently for opportunity and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Do nothing. Snatch time from the thief that says, “Stay busy.” Don’t give in to the temptation of passing your time away or filling it with second-best things. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The translation I linked says, “cease striving.” Stop. Turn as an individual, or as a family, to our Everlasting Father. Sit in silence, pray, read Scripture, sing, walk, and talk. Ask Him what work He is doing within you as you experience this situation. Cast all your fear upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Shower Him with praise and adoration, as He rightly deserves. Laugh with Him. Cry with Him. Talk with Him. Wonder with Him. Enjoy Him, right now and forever!

Don’t miss this historic opportunity—this time when God can be seen and experienced with greater clarity because many things such as money and security and routine have been stripped away. A vacuum is created, and I don’t wish for you to fill it just for it to be filled. Don’t long or settle for “blessings” from the Master’s table and neglect the Master himself. This is a time to enter into joy and thanksgiving because of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! He is the same yesterday, and today, and forevermore. Hallelujah!

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Worship: The Best Medicine for Life’s Little Troubles

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by Kendrick Gilli

Therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

I have come to take this very seriously over the past few years. I have seen firsthand how God has taken care of my family and made my business thrive. Of course, I have worked hard, but I am always amazed by those people who show up out of nowhere to get a mortgage. Obviously, this is not my doing, but a gift from God.

But let me go back to the beginning of my journey in this line of work. I stopped teaching a few years ago, after many years in that field. But what was I supposed to do? Then one day, I heard the Lord tell me to help people with their mortgage needs. This may sound strange, for why would God put me in this line of work? How can I work for Him by writing mortgages? However, He stood by me and my family during this transition, and from the beginning, I wanted to stand with Him as well. I began by praising Him.

Every morning, I listen to praise music and sing along in the car on the way to work. Now this is a prime time for loan officers to be on the phone, but I would rather sing to the Lord. It is probably a good thing that other people are not in the car, because my voice is a lot like a screeching cat. But there I am singing along, people in other cars looking at me, but I do not care. Once I get to the office, all the people know that I am there, because I come in singing. All morning, in between calls, I have the music on as well.

With all the selfish desires, foul mouths, stress, etc. that I see around me, I stay calm, knowing that the Lord is leading my life. Several have asked me how I can stay calm when things don’t go right, and I have a chance to tell them about the joy of the Lord and how I trust in Him. This is my missionary field. I am unafraid to talk to people about the Lord, because the Lord put me there. However, day in and day out, He speaks to me through the songs, and He always has the right songs for that day, even if things do get stressful.

Now, your worship may look totally different from mine, but no matter what, it is an integral part of our relationship with our heavenly father, as Pastor Steve told us last Sunday. David often worshipped through his Psalms—his love, his frustration, his passion, his remorse and on and on. Yeah, I know, many of us do not have the ability to write psalms or songs or even sing. But God loves to hear our heart as we worship.

Don’t be afraid to worship the Lord. You might be surprised how it changes your day-to-day life, which will be infused with the Joy of the Lord. Figure out which way you want to worship Him and build that into your daily living.

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Just Because He Is

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By Tom Chase

Remember the story of Job, a very rich man, had everything he needed and more? Then trouble struck him and he lost everything except his life. His riches, his family, his reputation, and even his health — all were gone.

Job’s response when he found out?

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said,

“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!”

Job 1:20-21 NLT

I have to say that I am totally blown away by a man whose response to trouble like this is to worship God. Wow! Really?

I am pretty sure that is not our typical response, and I know it is not mine. Yet what bothers me is that it should be. Over the past several weeks I have been pondering Job’s response. I have been checking his response compared to the things that cause me (and, I believe, sometimes us) to praise God. It seems to me that we have become really good at praising God for what He has done … and we should do that. But I also believe that we (and I) need to become really good at worshiping God because He is.

There is so much to appreciate about our creator God. Scripture tells us that He is glorious … that He is beyond compare … that there is no one else like Him. We do see some of that in the things He does for us. It gives us a glimpse into His character. But I have to say that He is worthy of our praise because He is — not just because of what He has done for us (or me). As I continue to think this through, I have been finding myself in awe of the person of God and I have found joy in God in praising Him simply for Him. He is our greatest “Thing,” and not because He gives us stuff, but because He is.

If you are feeling like your praise has been heavy on the “because-of-what-God-has-done” side, take some time and just praise Him for Him and give Him glory!

If a song will encourage you in this way, “Just Because You Are” by Philip Sandifer has been an encouragement for me.

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Limits

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By Jeff Foerster

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise God for your limitations. What?! Yes, I said that. Sunny days and puppies, candy and rainbows, vacations and honeymoons; all are easy to praise God for.

When the livin’ is easy, the praises are plentiful. But limitations? Isn’t it enough to simply endure them without swearing? What limitations are you facing today? Are you limited by a lack of money, making you unable to retire, purchase a house, or meet monthly expenses? Do you have physical limitations that keep you from being or doing what you greatly desire? Is your limitation time, frustrating you because you’re unable to accomplish the goals your eyes can see but your hands can’t quite reach? Do the limits before you involve relationships with others?

My limitations create in me a need. No matter how much I am able, it is not enough. Neither can my needs be satisfied by others. Two choices emerge: hopelessness or dependence. Hopelessness is the reward of self-determination. Dependence is the route to peace.

Wherever and whenever you find limits, opportunity has arisen. Choice lies before you. The most difficult and unnatural of these choices for me is also the most beneficial: praising God. I would often rather complain or sulk. I would rather seethe or look for someone to blame, or at least displace my anger toward someone else. Yet none of these things will help, save praising God.

How do we praise Him in such times? We must acknowledge that our circumstances do not control our mindset. We have the choice; we can train our thoughts upon that which ails us or we can place them upon Him who heals us. Doing so will not make difficulties disappear, but it will put them in perspective. Scripture tells us to, “… set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2) When I cast my gaze upward, I begin to loosen my grip on this life. My limitations begin to fade from view.

A fellow once said, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” I agree. For in knowing my own limitations I can truly appreciate the God who has none.

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Disneyland Radio

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By Nate Champneys

Think about the most difficult thing you have ever had to endure: A divorce, the death of a loved one, a season of unemployment, or worse. Did you feel you could talk to God about it? When you came to church, did you feel connected to God by the worship? Or did you feel disconnected and alone?

The reason I ask these questions is that something has been bothering me for awhile. Last year I used many Psalms as the basis for worship themes, and one thing I noticed is the large number of laments in the Psalms. Literally 70 percent of the Psalms contain lamenting (or mourning) language. I decided I wanted to do a service on lamenting, and I was very surprised to find that there are very, very few worship songs that are laments.

This brought me to take a closer look at the Church in general in this area. As I listened to Christian radio, I couldn’t help but feel a disconnect. Over and over I heard the words, “positive and uplifting” or “uplifting and kid-safe.” I felt like I was listening to Disneyland Radio because it was “happy all the time.” As I tried to think of regularly used worship songs in the church that are laments, I only needed one hand to count. I thought about my own planning of services and the lack of laments.

But if 70 percent of the Psalms are laments, that should tell us something about life and how hard it is. David, the one man in history who is referred to as “a man after God’s own heart” said to God, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13). And it’s not just Psalm 13 which speaks like this — it’s literally 70 percent of the Psalms!

This should tell us something: It is okay to be weak. It is okay to not have it all put together. It is okay to cry out to God. It is okay to be so upset that you feel like you can’t even pray. In Psalm 77, David talks about being so upset he cannot speak. Have you ever been there? I know I have.

When you look at the life of David, it is clear that very few men have had such a close relationship with God. What characterizes David’s relationship with God? Brutal honesty. David tells God exactly how he feels. He tells God when he feels alone. He tells God when he feels like God has turned His back on him.

But there is one other thing that characterizes David’s relationship with God. While being brutally honest with God in how he felt, he always moved on to remembering the faithfulness of God. Psalm 77 is a perfect example of this. David spends the first half of the chapter crying out to God in his distress, but in verse 10 the whole chapter shifts. He then says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles long ago.” David continues on to list off the amazing things God had done in the history of His people.

This life can be brutal and it’s okay to be weak. It’s okay to weep. It’s okay to be upset, and it’s okay to tell God exactly how you feel. That is exactly what He wants from us. It’s okay for a time, as long as that is not where we stay. We also need to remember. We need to do what David did over and over in the Psalms: Lament, weep, and cry out to God, but then take time to remember His faithfulness.

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