"Speaking at one of our conferences, Professor David Ford, the Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University posed this question, ‘Have you ever noticed, the Bible is a very noisy book?’ He then pointed out several examples. The Hebrews groan in their slavery (Exodus 3). Wisdom cries out (Proverbs 8). God shouts aloud (Isaiah 42). Jesus prays with loud cries and tears (Hebrews 5) and even creation groans (Romans 8).
On the day of Pentecost they heard ‘a sound like the blowing of a violent wind’ that ‘came from heaven’ (Acts 2:2). In today’s passages we hear other sounds going to and from heaven.
Psalm 69:29-36
Sounds of worship
The Bible is realistic. There are times when we are ‘in pain and distress’ (v.29). David doesn’t try to ignore the problems he faces. Yet, he still chooses to worship God in spite of his circumstances. Even in the depths, you can still be sure of who God is and worship him – whatever your circumstances.
This psalm ends with the sound of worship. ‘I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving … Let heaven and earth praise him’ (vv.30,34). Worship goes on not only on earth, but also in heaven. When you worship, you are joining in the sounds of heaven. Here, we see three aspects of worship:
Worship involves the will
David says, ‘I will praise God’s name’ (v.30). You may not always feel like worshipping God but it is a decision you make; it is an act of the will.
Worship pleases God
‘This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs’ (v.31).
Worship affects others
‘The poor will see and be glad – you who seek God, may your hearts live!’ (v.32). I have noticed how those ‘who seek God’ on Alpha are often moved by the worship, and as a result their ‘hearts live’.
Lord, whatever my circumstances, help me to praise your name in song and glorify you with thanksgiving. May our worship have an impact on all those who hear it."
1. Thank You Lord for hearing our worship.
2. Thank You for the memories of the joy I had during the encounter. May I remember to always apply them in my life.
3. Thank You indeed for how wonderful You can work in our lives. May I always have that teachable spirit that You desire for me.
