Power House Praise

Americans have become so dependent upon electrical power that the thought of an EMP device shutting everything down is devastating.  All our communication systems are completely dependent: phones, computers, internet, TV, etc.  No mode of transportation containing computer chips, no lights, air-conditioning, elevators, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, nor any home appliances could be used at all.  In places where water must be pumped, there would be none.  All business and industry would suddenly halt, and bank accounts could not be accessed.  It would feel like the end of life as we know it.

In a metaphorical sense, it sometimes feels like the traumatic things of life have us trapped in one of those impossible places. Home foreclosure, loss of a job, catastrophic accidents, wasting disease, multiple deaths of those close to us can all be overwhelming.  Issues such as these have always been around but have changed through various time periods.

King David had his share of terrible times.  He spent years running for his life from King Saul who preceded him.  Every time he went into battle, he faced the very real possibility of dying.  His first-born son raped his daughter and then was killed by an avenging brother, Absalom, also David’s son.  Absalom planned a coup to take over David’s kingdom with the intent of killing his father and all associated with him.   In such times when David had nowhere to turn, he confided in God and poured out his heart.

Psalm 42:9-10 laments, “I say to God my Rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?’ ¹⁰ My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” God gave David the grace to speak candidly because He knew David’s heart and his next words expressed in verse 11.  “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”  In a remarkable turn, David took authority over his mind, will, and emotions, commanding his soul to be hopeful in God and to praise his Lord in the midst of- and in spite of- his circumstances.  This move was a game-changer, enabling David to navigate catastrophe in the power of God because his praise of God invited the Lord’s Presence.

If we are to learn from David’s example, it is that praise is a power house, especially in life’s worst circumstances.  It is actually what Hebrews 13:15 identifies as “offering to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”  David made it look doable.  But our problem is that despondency is a deep, dark pit that intends to keep us trapped at the bottom with no hope of escape.  How can we praise God from such a place?  David’s secret was not to allow himself to forget God’s benefits (attributes and blessings listed in Psalm 103).  Instead, he rehearsed and recited them, realizing tremendous encouragement in the intimacy of God’s Presence that actually inhabited his dark place.

Here’s where it gets very convicting. Can we emulate David’s determination to realign his soul with God to receive His overcoming power, and resolve that we will likewise praise God in our hardships and lowest points?  It will require hurdling the huge obstacles of our thoughts and feelings, fighting the lie that praising God in the midst of tragedy doesn’t make sense.   Do we believe this is too hard for us — something only David could accomplish — or has God made us to be champions also?  We must remember that when the natural power goes out, it is time for the generator of praise to kick in.