My brothers and sisters, it is exactly in times of trouble or turmoil, as the world is experiencing right now, that we, as believers, should set aside time to read the word, pray and do good works with a thankful heart; HOWEVER, there is another thing we should not neglect! Worship Him in song. Private worship is wonderful and should not be neglected, but corporate worship brings incredible power as believers (and those in need of salvation) come together in unity to sing His praises. It is good to sing and play instruments unto the Lord (see Psalm 92:1)!
The word of God is clear that the joy of the Lord is our strength (see Nehemiah 8:10)! Like King David, worshiping God in music is an important thing to do, whether in lament and our need for repentance, or in joyful exuberance in recognition of His goodness and all He had done in our lives (see Psalm 98:4-9). In fact, King David worshiped in God’s very presence at the ark of the covenant by dancing (see 2 Samuel 6:14-15)!
And, let’s never forget that our worship is a declaration of God’s goodness and power, and accordingly, is an effective weapon against the evil one. While incarcerated, Paul and Silas chose to pray and sing to the Lord, loosing the mighty power of God and resulting in the salvation of the Philippian keeper of the prison and his entire family (see Acts 16:25-33)!
So, if you’re willing, turn up the speakers, forget the world for a few minutes, and listen and worship along with SALVADOR as they play David Danced! This live performance from the album “Salvador Worship Live” was recorded on June 6, 2003 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In my estimation, this is one of the very best live praise recordings I’ve EVER HEARD:
May the Lord bless you and keep you this day. May His face shine upon you and bring you peace. May we all be ever-mindful of the glory, goodness and salvation found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Happy Saturday! Go forth and spread some joy…
Here are the above-referenced scriptures:
Psalm 92:1 (NKJV)
Praise to the Lord for His Love and Faithfulness
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, [a]nd to sing praises to Your name, O Most High…”.
Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)
“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Psalm 98:4-9 (NKJV)
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; [b]reak forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Sing to the Lord with the harp, [w]ith the harp and the sound of a psalm, [w]ith trumpets and the sound of a horn; [s]hout joyfully before the Lord, the King. Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, [t]he world and those who dwell in it; [l]et the rivers clap their hands; [l]et the hills be joyful together before the Lord…”.
2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NKJV)
“Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.”
Acts 16:25-33 (NKJV)
The Philippian Jailer Saved
“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, ‘[d]o yourself no harm, for we are all here.’ Then he [the jailer] called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, ‘[s]irs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘[b]elieve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them [Paul and Silas] the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately [the jailer] and all his family were baptized.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!