When God’s Promises Seem Delayed
Are you waiting for a promise from God that seems to be taking forever? Perhaps you’re feeling desperate, even despairing, as the wait stretches on. It’s natural to wonder, “Why, Lord? Where is it? What’s going on? Why are You silent?”
The Pain of Waiting
Hope deferred can make the heart sick, especially when our expectations aren’t met in our timeframe. We may examine our hearts, searching for any sin that could be blocking God’s answer. It’s easy to feel like God is far away, and the heavens are brass.
David’s Example
David knew the pain of waiting. In Psalms 42 and 43, he poured out his heart to God, asking “Why?” ten times, “Where?” twice, and “When?” once. He described feelings of abandonment, oppression, and betrayal, but also thirst and satisfaction, fear and courage, doubt and faith.
The Power of Worship
Amidst his struggles, David turned to worship. He took up his harp and connected with God in a deep way. He sang prayers set to music, recording his emotions and struggles. Four times in 16 verses, he broke into praise and thanksgiving, declaring, “I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Fixed and Steadfast
David’s heart was fixed and steadfast, making music and praising God for His great love, which never changes. When we come into God’s presence with sacrifices of worship, we come before Him in spirit and in truth. We enjoy His matchless power and care, and He brings to mind others that He wants us to present before Him.
The Heart of Intercessory Worship
Intercessory worship is about seeking God’s Face, then seeking His heart, not His hand. It employs the name of God to attract His presence and power into a time and place for particular people. I’ve seen God do amazing things in response to praise and worship obedience, where I simply exalted Him as God by faith and let Him be God.
Faith in Action
Intercessory worship is faith in action. We don’t see the answer, but we know the character of the One who is faithful. It’s as simple as singing “He is Lord,” which declares the authority of Jesus’ rule in all things. We praise God even when the situation doesn’t change immediately, because He places His presence in our hearts in His promises, His vision, and His purposes. And we will yet praise Him for His answer that He will bring forth in His appointed time.
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