Drowning Out Troubles with Songs of Praise

---

But I will sing of your strength;
​I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
Psalm 59:16 ESV

---

​It has been said that Scripture has the "best but's."  This is one of them.

David's enemies were after him.  King Saul was out for his blood.  It was so bad that David compared them to hungry dogs who prowled around scavenging for some small morsel to eat (59:15).

But instead of cowering or becoming embittered, he determined to sing.  He could have fallen into a fit of self pity and belly ached about all that he might lose.  But he struck up the harp instead.  He belted out lyrics of praise. 

As a matter of fact, he drowned out their howls with hymns.  He "sang aloud" of God's mercy (Hebrew: rawnan - to make a shrill creak, a ringing cry for joy).  The circumstances were such that he could have clammed up, but he determined instead to crank up the volume.  He made God's praises that much more vigorous.

When was the last time you belted out a line of "Come Thou Fount" or ratcheted up the volume on your Christian music station?  David reminds us that when troubles assail it is not the time to shut down.  It is high time to shout out to God and give Him glory.

Everyone has moments of woe.  These are times when we must amplify God's might and mercy.  We must concentrate all that much more on the Lord's attributes and not let fear take control of us.  It must be, so to speak, sung away.  From the bottom of our larynx we must declare that God, our only Hope, is our fixation. 

Problems tempt us to get down emotionally.  But David shows us that a better response is to get down musically.  We must vocally celebrate the fact that He is all that we need in such times.

Hardships also tempt us to become inwardly focused.  God has given us a self preservation reflex when something fearful presents itself.  But this can easily go ary and we can become self consumed.  

This is what makes music so great.  We become very external when we sing, and all that much more so when we sing to (and about) our Lord.  It's only accentuated that much more when the decibel levels go through the roof.

In the end, it is a reminder that in every circumstance in life God's praises must prevail in our lives.  Joy in trials is found in the Psalter and Songbook.

So whether we are facing some pressures from opponents or getting a little tense about what lies in tomorrow, don't be afraid to let it ring.  Amplify his praises in times of difficulty.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE HOPEWELL WEEKLY

Membership @ Hopewell
We will be interviewing and receiving candidates for membership in August.  Our plan is to conduct interviews on Sunday August 2nd and then have them stand for their vows before the congregation on August 9th.

To that end, we invite those who are regularly visiting to review our church's philosophies and membership terms and let us know your desire to join.  Or, if you believe your child is ready for profession of faith / baptism, we'd love to celebrate this great event too. 
​
​

Family Day Fun & Fellowship
Join us at the Lillo's for a day of hanging out.  This Saturday (July 25) we'll gather to fellowship and play games.  Come and go as you please or as your schedule permits.  People are welcome to come anytime after 10:30.  Lunch and dinner will be served.  Contact us for details or directions