Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
1 Chronicles 16:19-34 (NIV)
19 When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, 20 they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. 21 He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: 22 “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” 23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. 28 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. 30 Tremble before him, all the earth!
The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. 31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” 32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! 33 Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. 34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
What are the causes of worship/praise in each situation from the following texts?
In what ways was praise given in each situation?
In which texts do you find “submissive praise”—praise offered in midst of pain, grief, etc.
What does this say to you about how we worship? What might we add to our worship?
God, Your Word tells me that I am Your child and that You love me. I know that You have a plan for my life. So why do I still find myself in the wilderness as I have to deal with problems, challenges, and heartaches? Lord, help me trust that You are in my wilderness with me. Your hand protects me against evil. There are so many times that I don’t even realize how You have protected me from harm or allowed me to succeed in difficult situations. Even when I trip, You will not let me fall. Great is Your faithfulness. Lord, use these periods of wilderness to teach me to trust You fully and love You more deeply. Great are You Lord and most worthy of praise. Through all things, I will Give thanks to You, for You are good; and Your love endures forever. Amen