II Samuel 12: 19-20, When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore, David said to his servants,"Is the child dead?" And they said, "He is dead." So David arose from the ground, washed, and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshipped.
.
This world is filled to the brim with pain, anger, frustration, loneliness, hostility, hurt, hatred, and on and on. I shared with my brothers that I struggle with frustration over seemingly trivial things and I cuss and use the Lord's name in vain, and I cannot seem to be able to get my reactions under control. Thankfully, they prayed for me and I know they continue to pray for me even now. I need their prayers and will continue to need their prayers in the future and I have all the confidence they will be with me years from this very night.
.
Yet, the answer is not in their prayers, but in my response to their prayers. God doesn't snap His fingers and make me capable of dealing with my frustrations just because my brothers lifted prayers on my behalf. My sin needs to lead me to the house of the Lord and cause me to kneel down before Him and worship. When David learned how God had answered his prayer on his infant son's behalf, he instinctively knew what to do. He got up, cleaned himself off and went into the house of the Lord and worshipped. I have not done that; ever!
.
What to do when the loss is devastating? Worship! The pain is deep? Worship! The soul is weeping? Worship! The heart is shattered? Worship! The days are as dark as night? Worship! The loneliness feels like an island? Worship! The walls are made of iron? Worship! The words cut deeper than a knife? Worship! The fear is overbearing? Worship! And then worship some more, and then worship again. Worship until the grace of God speaks louder than the moment at hand. Worship until His love brings comfort and peace. Worship until His presence is unmistakable. And He promises that He will reveal Himself to you. Thank you, Father, thank you.
