My heart is steadfast, God, steadfast. I will sing and make music.
~ Psalm 57:7 ~
Reading the Psalms, I get the impression that life for David, and other writers, was one tumultuous episode after another. Psalms of praise and joy, of grief and defeat, of deep meditation and inspiring victory. Regardless of the focus of each psalm, it is difficult not to notice that many of them - most in fact - are written in the context of crisis. Cries to God come out of the crucible, and God's response comes into it.
One thing I am learning about God is how He looks for when I am in my own crucible and possess a steadfast heart. A heart that will not, under any circumstance, fall away. No matter what uproar is going on around me, no matter how much pressure is applied, my Heavenly Father will wait to answer me until it is clear to Him, to me, and to those who observe, that my heart is resolutely fixed on Him. And more than just steadfastness of hope is required. It is a steadfastness of worship. The heart that learns to make music in its darkest moments is the heart that is delivered.
In my own spiritual journey - I have found that deliverance comes twice. First, a worshipful heart has risen above oppressive circumstances, even when those circumstances remain. It is an inward liberation that I find deep joy regardless of what's happening on the outside. Secondly, a resolved, singing heart finds deliverance in a God who responds. He frequently invades circumstances and scatters our enemies, sometimes dramatically. The wait may be long, and the victory is sure. God does not remain silent in His love when I do not remain silent in my worship.
When my circumstances oppress, the battle rages, and the heat of the crucible rises, where is my heart? Is it steadfast in its worship? Does it sing of the God who reigns above every cloud? If so, expect deliverance. Expect it within and without. I sing my song of victory before victory even comes. In the most important sense, it already has. This is the reason the Apostle Paul teaches that we are more than conquerors through Christ because of the love and grace of God (see Romans 8:31-39). And because of my steadfast heart, my faith is firmly planted on solid ground. It is because of my trust in Christ and in my Heavenly Father that I have peace - even during times of darkness or how I feel.
We all face adversity in this life. Are you facing it with a steadfast heart? Worship is the key to facing our own adversity - how does this help bring comfort and peace into your own heart and soul? How does this message help you with your faith today?
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