Reflection: “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, Whose name is the LORD, and exult before Him.” Psalm 68:1a, 5
Response: There are problems all around. Nearly every day on the television, in the news, or when we just walk out the door, we hear of something shocking or negative.
Maybe we don’t have to look externally—perhaps our current circumstances mirror similar difficulty. Life may be hard, people in our lives challenging, and troubles inevitable for the predictable future.
Circumstances and pressures may cause depression, heaviness, or for some to question the point of their walk with God. Answers to our prayers seem wholly ignored. And God’s promises seem hollow and unfulfilled.
We find ourselves in a quandary—in a position where we say we believe God, and our confidence is in God. But, in our minds and emotions, we reached the brink of “I can’t take anymore,” “I can’t go any further,” “Prayer doesn’t work,” or God forbid—”I don’t want to live anymore.”
Our heart towards God wavers, and we begin to lose faith and confidence in there ever being something different or better of who we are called to be God’s people.
The Lord wants to encourage and strengthen you today. His word: “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him…” The Psalms speak about the heart’s issues—what one feels or the secret places of one’s spirit.
They are songs that are written to stir up, stimulate, motivate, or revive the believer’s convictions in the providence and promises of God. They also teach us to reflect on God and His word, i.e., controlled and right thinking about God’s character.
The Psalms invite us into prayer, praise, and worship as a guide to consider the works that He has done.
Psalm 68 indicates the general theme throughout most psalms: God is supreme and triumphs over all His enemies. Psalm 68 also uses the command “let.” It is a call for God’s people to praise God, and in this case, through singing.
Singing songs of victory stirs the soul and motivates the spirit. When we sing praises to God during trials, it calms our hearts. When we sing praises despite how we feel, it comforts our soul. When we sing praises regardless of our circumstances, it increases our capacity to be more grateful.
Live exceptionally- in balance, freedom, and rest. ™If you’ve reached the brink of “NO MORE” before you do anything else—sing. Sing a song now. “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him…Whose name is the LORD…”.