“Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:4-5)

Music and singing have been a part of the worship of God because our songs rise from our hearts. In life we face many things, some good and some difficult. Moses and the people of Israel had seen God work in the midst of their slavery, in order to set them free. Yet, when faced anew with the on coming chariots of Egypt, they cried out in fear as they stood before the Red Sea. Then they watched as God destroyed the army in the sea after they had walked across on dry land. Moses and the people did sing, “I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.” (Exodus 15:1)

It is King David that we associate with music from his playing the harp before Saul, to his songs recorded in the book of Psalms. David has experienced much in his lifetime. He had seen God’s power as he fought Goliath. He had seen trials as King Saul had desired to kill him, even though his music had brought comfort to Saul. He was chosen king because he had a heart after God’s own heart. He also knew the pain of God’s judgment after his sin with Bathsheba and the death of his son. Through it all, David would express his pain and his faith through song, all giving praise to God.

It is through everything that David can offer his praise to the Lord. His praise also puts all of life into perspective. God is there and listening as we go through the trials of life. David sings, “LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.” (Psalm 30:2-3) He knew that in the trials God was active in responding to his trials. Even when he sinned and repented God was there. “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. . .. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.” (Psalm 51:4, 7-8)

The trials are only temporary. David is able to sing praises to God because God’s favor is not temporary, it is permanent. While the trials and the sorrows they bring are present, God’s joy is coming to His own. This is evident as David would pray, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.” (Psalm 51:12-13) As with David, we who have found God’s mercy and forgiveness are to praise Him by telling others the reason for the song in our heart. “’Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help.’ You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.” (Psalm 30:10-12)

As we walk daily with our Lord through everything in life, we find forgiveness for our sin, strength to follow Him, hope for tomorrow, and a joy which puts a song in our heart where we can praise God forevermore.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block