DAVID’S LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP (3)

“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; WORSHIP the LORD in the beauty of holiness” – Psalm 29:2

We can follow DAVID’S LIFESTYLE of WORSHIP in terms of the Variety of Settings in which he worshiped God: “Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; WORSHIP the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psa.29:1-2). Worship is the act of giving Glory to God – ascribing Worth to God – regardless of circumstances or environment. In poetic beauty, the psalmist described the strength of a storm and understand it as the Voice and Power of God, rather than as a threat or hindrance. In so doing, he repeated the name of the LORD eighteen times and used the phrase, “the Voice of the LORD” seven times. David’s Lifestyle of Worship turned every situation into an occasion to glorify God!

Here are three of the diverse places and moments David worshiped and lifted God up:

In the fields: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psa.19:1-4). David wrote many psalms – songs to God, as he tended sheep in the fields. Though it was dusty and lonely work, shepherding allowed him to appreciate the nature God had created. His writing expressed his awe and gratitude for God’s provision. Nowadays, most people don’t work in the fields, and the pace of life is more hectic. But we can become more aware of God’s Presence, and worship Him whenever and wherever we happen to be.

In Saul’s Court: “Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him” (1Sam.16:22-23). At the onset of Saul’s attack from an evil spirit, David was called upon, being known to be a worshiper. As Saul’s armorbearer, David became known for his musical skills and moral character, both of which came into play as he served in Saul’s court. As David pursued God in worship, he was empowered to chase away demons; Saul’s spirit was calmed, and his heart turned more toward the Lord.

By the Grace of God, we can set the worship atmosphere, regardless of circumstances or situations (Eph.5:18-20). One conclusion we can draw from this passage is that worship is a prescription and a potential weapon of warfare to battle and defeat depression, discouragement, gloom and darkness, and to overcome demonic oppression and attacks. While we may not all have musical gifts, we all have God-given talents, and should be willing to let God work through them to draw others to His power and goodness, and be transformed into worshipers. There are Bible instances in which worship was a powerful weapon (2Chr.20; Psa.145:5-9). The explanation is that the Weapon of Worship draws the Presence of God, and the presence of evil is driven out.

In the battlefront: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1Sam.17:45-47). David probably didn’t expect he’d ever have to face a giant like Goliath. But when given the chance, he gladly stepped up. Not only did David fight the giant, but he took the opportunity to declare God’s power to all who were gathered there. His victory was a testimony to both Israel and Philistine. We face diverse kinds of giants; challenges that feel overwhelming come at us in all areas of life. Though the struggles are real and could be scary, we also can use them as opportunities to worship God and tell others about His wonders.