1Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. 2I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me—God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. 4I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. 6They 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. 7My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 8Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalm 57)
David is appropriately held out as a model worshipper. His contributions to the Book of Psalms have served as a timeless source of inspiration. One very instructive aspect of David’s attitude to worship was his inclination to worship whether in good times or bad. For example, the passage above was written when his life was threatened by King Saul and he was hiding in a cave. Despite his adversity, he gives God glory!
Please read the passage above carefully and answer the following question.
Question:
Giving God glory should not depend on circumstances. How do you maintain an attitude of worship even when things are not going your way?
March 26, 2019 at 9:28 am
I can maintain an attitude of worship even when things are not going my way because of faith. As my faith in God continues to grow, I bring everything to Him, knowing that He “knows the plans He has for me”. With this in mind, even when things don’t work out the way I want or expect, I conclude it means it’s not what God wants for me. I then give God thanks for “looking out for me”.
March 26, 2019 at 11:57 am
For the most part I actually find myself going deeper in worship when things are not going my way because my dependency on God is greater. I have situations written down that reminds me of what God has done for me and I reflect on these and trust God. It is not always an easy process but it is one where I am able to lift my hands in the midst of adversity because I have seen His FAITHFULNESS. I know that God is sovereign and he controls the end result but He has called me to trust Him to do great and mighty works in my life. I am learning that even if the result does not seem to be in my “favour” God knows best and wants me to be satisfied in Him.
March 26, 2019 at 2:44 pm
When things seem not to be going ‘my way’, i simply reflect on the things that have gone my way and i remind myself that those things didn’t turn out right because of what i had done or said but cause the I AM THAT I AM made them so. I remind myself of Jer 29:11 and the things that seem to matter, well, they don’t matter so much. (This is not always easy but having made it a part of me from a long time ago helps).
So basically, worship for me kinda seem richer in meaning and have a depth to it in times of adversity
March 26, 2019 at 4:26 pm
When things are not going my way, I may feel
low and not as energetic as I’m always, but it doesn’t mean I’m hopeless. Actually, those are the times I feel much closer to the Lord. I usually try to pray more, like really pouring out all to the Lord, and reflect on His Word and on what Jesus has done for me in the past. One thing important for me to do is to acknowlege God’s sovereignity, and that way, I can just surrender all to Him. If I made mistake, I should not justify it, and I should be mindful of my sin, quick in asking for forgiveness. God may take time to answer my prayers especially if there is something He really wants me to learn out of the difficult situation. What I’m so grateful for, at all times, is that He gives me peace so I can move on, not just dwelling on the problems or situations that may seemed so complicated ior overwhelming. Trusting tne Lord and letting Him be in control is one of the best gifts I’m enjoying from my relationship with Jesus. . Relying on Him and honestly admitting that the Lord Almighty is the one to help me at all times, is the reason why I can keep the joy despite the hurdles. I think that act of letting go and surrendering all to Him, is glorifying to God as well.
March 26, 2019 at 5:38 pm
I think you have to know God and His character to maintain an attitude of worship even in adversity. Those who know Him can praise him in the midst of adversity because they have the benefit of experience going thru the ups and downs of life with God, seeing Him come thru for them in one way or another which in turn has built their faith and trust in Him.
Not too long ago as a new Christian I did not know God well enough and was at first angry at him for letting bad things happen to me and my family but anger soon turned to renewed courage and faith because of the testimonies shared by more seasoned Christians on this very blog. They talked about having gone thru adversity and the pain it caused. Then for the first time I understood why the Bible talked so much about adversity. It honestly went over my head prior to that. So I think the second way an attitude of worship is maintained during adversity is thru the faithful witness of everyday Christians like you and me as well as the great saints of the Bible like David to inspire, encourage and comfort the weak.
March 26, 2019 at 8:07 pm
Even if I stub a toe I give praise because I remember some others may have no foo. Usually I think this happens to remind me to give thanks and praise for his grace and protection. He is always with me and you if you can feel Him. Do not ever forget.
March 26, 2019 at 8:58 pm
It’s hard at times to worship in the right times or as some call it, in the valley. But I think it goes back to acknowledging God’s glory. He alone is the one that can save us. He is the only one that can bring comfort. God is the only one that can bring you up, through bad circumstances. When we are reminded of these truths and remember past victories He navigated for us and others all we can and want to do is worship Him. It brings me great comfort to remember a name used for God many times in the Old Testament- Lord God of Heavens Army. With access to an angelic army I worship Him knowing He is on my side.
March 26, 2019 at 10:00 pm
It has been a while since I expressed my appreciation for the comments made each day of the 40-day journey. They really make a big difference and I thank God for your contributions. It is good to hear those commenting today say that they still worship God when things are not going their way. That is not always easy to do but like the Psalmist we can say, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” So, we give Him glory!
March 27, 2019 at 9:40 am
I have learned to praise God in advance and in the midst of all situations. God is faithful.
Blessings to all
https://youtu.be/SKeTQ1ZHqgA
March 27, 2019 at 11:20 am
Great song Sister Lauren. Thanks!
March 30, 2019 at 7:37 am
Thank you for sharing this wonderful song of worship! One of my favorites.