The Joy of Worship
Photo image courtesy of Pixabay
But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may Thou shelter them, that those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. – Psalm 5:11
I watched as she took her place behind the microphone with the rest of the worship team. I could think of at least five good reasons for her to sit this one out.
Knowing her personally, I was aware it had been a hard few weeks for her and her family. A quiet seat on the back pew would have offered a welcome place to collapse if only for an hour.
But there she stood in a bright floral dress and the necklace her husband had given her with the names of their children engraved on beads threaded through a silver heart. There was a story there.
For the next 15 minutes I watched a weary wife and mama choose joy. Her method of choice—worship.
As she sang with her eyes slightly lifted and shoulders swaying to the music, her face showed no hint of the angst of the past few weeks. I could hear her voice rise above the others…
Every blessing You pour out
I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord…*
Sometimes joy erupts before us and we all but trip over it, but other times— joy is a choice.
King David knew this. His songs echo his pursuit of joy in all sorts of circumstances. In 2 Samuel 6, we find him dancing and singing praises to the Lord as he leads the Ark of the Covenant through the gates of the Holy City. But in Psalm 5, he pours out his troubled heart in morning prayer asking God for help in the face of evil men with evil intentions. Amid his struggle, he proclaims God to be his glad refuge and chooses to extol God’s faithfulness and go forth with joy.
Across the centuries, one thing connects this young mama and the King of Israel—their choice of joy by way of worship.
Joy finds its way into our hearts when we shift our focus from our present circumstances to God’s presence in our circumstances.
When we are dancing our way through the gates of happy times, this is no problem, but when the heaviness of life presses in uninvited, worship is the key to finding joy in the face of our adversity.
Worship becomes a mighty weapon to fight fear and discouragement when we focus on…
His Faithfulness: “I will never leave you or forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5)
His Love: “I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3)
His Wisdom: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…”
(Psalm 32:8)
His Power: “…I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
The list is endless, but what joy is found in making it!
When your heart is weary and joy elusive, lift your eyes, let your shoulders sway, and just worship.
*Blessed Be Your Name – Music and Lyrics by Matt and Beth Redman 2002
Questions for Reflection:
1. Can you think of three examples of God’s presence in your current circumstances for which you might praise Him?
2. Now look outward. Consider three things that stir your heart to worship in the world around you. Tell the Creator.
3. Is there a song that comes to mind with a message that lifts you above your circumstances and points you to God? Sing! All of heaven will listen.
