When to Worship

2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.

6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.

Mark 4:26-29

David cried out for help… he cried out for mercy… and while he did this he worshipped the Lord God. God heard his cry and David was helped! And his response? Worship. ‘The Lord is my strength… give thanks to Him in song.’

I am ready to worship God when He has answered my prayers for help and mercy, but before then? Am I ready to worship, lifting my hands to His Most Holy Place, while crying out for help? Honestly, I am more focused on my ‘crying out’ than on the majestic God that I’m talking with. Worship can happen ‘pre-answer’ because of who God is! He is the Faithful One! Because He has proven Himself to by my strength and shield, I can worship in the middle of trouble and despair because I know He is leading me… and I know He will provide. “My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song…”

Mighty God, You are my shield, my strength, my fortress, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need. Whom have I in heaven but You? There is none I desire besides You! I will not be moved… and I’ll say of the Lord, You are my shield, my strength, my fortress, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need.