Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

The psalmist groaned in distress, asking the Lord to hear his prayer and cries for help.

What does it mean?

The writer of Psalm 102 was consumed with sorrow so great that he felt he could not go on; he thought God might have deserted him. But in his distress, he began to focus on God: His character, sovereignty, and the hope that God would release him from his troubles. He then reminded himself that others were watching his response. He looked down the centuries to the generations who would know that God has been faithful in the past and present and will continue to be in the future. He slowly moved into the realm of praise to God and ended by declaring to future generations that God is good!

How should I respond?

Do you – like the writer of Psalm 102 – find yourself in the darkest of hours, dwelling on trials that drain your strength? The very last thing you may feel like doing is praising God for His goodness and faithfulness. Yet as you consider His attributes, the glory of God begins to fill your being, and the focus on yourself slowly turns to outward worship of Him. Praise is a choice. As you live in front of your family, friends, and co-workers, remember they are seeing you worry or worship, pity or praise, sing or sob. Make the choice today to praise God for what He is doing and will do in your life.