Daily Manna
The Power of Worship in Times of Uncertainty
Thursday, 21st of September 2023
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A Question
Have you ever found yourself in a situation so challenging that you questioned where God was in the midst of it all? Sometimes, life's storms rage so fiercely that it becomes hard to see God's hand at work. During these times, it's crucial to remember this timeless truth: if you cannot praise Him for what He is doing, you can always worship Him for who He is.
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name." (Hebrews 13:15)
The Nature of God
The Apostle Paul faced numerous setbacks—from imprisonments to shipwrecks. Yet, he didn't lose sight of who God is. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." These words remind us that the nature of God remains constant, regardless of our circumstances. He is the Pillar that never moves in our lives.
The Symbiosis of Praise and Worship
It’s often easier to praise God when life is going smoothly—when the bills are paid, health is good, and relationships are thriving. Yet, Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even when we can't see the "good," we can choose to focus on the unchanging nature of God, offering our worship as a love letter to Him.
Shifting Focus
In Matthew 14:29-31, Peter started walking on water toward Jesus but began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind and waves. I believe there is a lesson here. If shifting our focus from Jesus can make us sink, then shifting our focus from our circumstances to Jesus’ steadfast nature, we can find peace in chaos.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-4)
Trials can refine us and redefine our character. The very act of worship is a tool for building spiritual resilience. Worship does not deny reality but elevates us to see our circumstances through the lens of God's sovereignty.
A Life Lived in Worship
Joseph, a man sold into slavery by his brothers, offers a potent example of the power of a worship-filled life. Though wrongfully imprisoned and forgotten, he continued to worship God for who He is. This attitude eventually led him to a place of honour and influence, saving an entire nation from famine (Genesis 41).
Scripture is filled with stories of God turning situations around. He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44), restored Job's fortunes after severe trials (Job 42:10), and defeated death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:5-6). He is indeed the God of the Comebacks.
Worship is not a Sunday-only activity but a lifestyle. Make worship your daily sacrifice, regardless of the weather in your life, for we serve a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
So, as you navigate through the complexities of life, remember that if you can't yet praise Him for what He's doing, you can always worship Him for who He is.
Prayer
Father, in the midst of our trials, help us to remember that You are unchanging. When we cannot see Your hand, let us feel Your heart. Teach us to worship You for who You are, not just for what You do. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
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