Hope

I'm told I worry a great deal and tend to carry the weight of the problems around me, and I know there's some truth to that. A feeling of helplessness and sadness came over me yesterday as I thought about how difficult life can be. Not just for myself, but every one of us.

My mind is my own worst enemy most of the time and it had gotten me once again. Aren't those the most frustrating times? Battling back and forth between cognitively knowing the hope I have in Christ and the joy that belongs to me as his child, and the overwhelming power of my emotions pulling me toward the cares of this world. It's exhausting and can often leave me feeling defeated.

Despite feeling defeated I knew I needed to work on preparing the music for this coming Sunday's worship service at my church. Our worship leader is out of town and it is my responsibility for the week. I had a few songs in mind so I pulled all my music out and started listening to songs and watching DVDs. Before too long I found myself worshipping God all alone in my apartment (in a closet actually, long story), wholeheartedly singing songs like 'My Redeemer Lives', 'He Has Made Me Glad', 'Hear our Praises', and 'Lord Most High' to name a few.

There's a reason God created us to worship, and that's to give Him all the glory, reverence, and honor He deserves. By singing or speaking of his attributes and his truth he is given the highest place in our hearts. The great side-effect of worship though is that God Almighty rewards us in turn with renewed hope and strength.

So I'm learning that before, during, and after all else fails...worship.

"O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love." ~Psalm 59:17

"I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good." ~Psalm 54:6