David's Praise in Psalm 95.

 Psalm 95:1-7 (NLT) 

Come, let us sing to the Lord! 

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 

2Let us come to him with thanksgiving. 

Let us sing psalms of praise to him. 

3For the Lord is a great God, 

a great King above all gods. 

4He holds in his hands the depths of the earth 

and the mightiest mountains. 

5The sea belongs to him, for he made it. 

His hands formed the dry land, too. 

6Come, let us worship and bow down. 

Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, 

7for he is our God. 

We are the people he watches over, 

the flock under his care. 

 

The words in Psalm 95 evoke significant memories from nearly 40 years ago during my time as a teenager in our Youth Group. These verses were often sung, with verses 1-5 forming one song and verses 6-7 another. I vividly recall the harmonious voices in our Church of Christ Youth Group, which were even more impactful during youth conferences with other groups from our region and state. The collective voices of hundreds or thousands of teenagers singing these praises often brought tears to my eyes. These moments are deeply engraved in my memory, and I cherish them dearly. 

Today, these words resonate within me in a more profound manner. As an individual who has led worship on multiple teams, they serve as a reminder of our inherent need to praise the God who watches over us and uplifts us during difficult times. The timeless words of David, written thousands of years ago, continue to hold true, leaving me in awe and wonder. 

David's Psalms often include expressions of pain and struggle, yet he consistently begins by praising God. This aspect of David's character is particularly compelling; he was unafraid to turn to God during trials, tribulations, and even when he sinned. Unlike Saul and several kings after him, David sought God's guidance despite his mistakes and shortcomings. Saul initially relied on God's guidance but eventually chose to rule independently, leading to his downfall and the presence of an evil spirit that only David's music could alleviate. 

As king, David made grave errors, including adultery and murder. Under Mosaic Law, these crimes warranted death. However, this narrative exemplifies God's forgiveness and foreshadows Christ's coming. Although David faced consequences, such as the loss of his newborn son, his response to God's judgment is noteworthy. Following his son's death, David ceased mourning, resumed normal activities, and continued to worship and praise God, recognizing and accepting God's plan. 

The determination David demonstrated in turning to God amidst adversity is admirable. It is easy to lament and succumb to self-pity rather than seek divine intervention. While praising God during favorable times is effortless, it is crucial to do so during periods of anguish. Despite challenges, I strive to follow David's example and seek God's blessings, acknowledging that He accompanies us through life's trials rather than removing them. 

Praise be to God, the rock of my salvation.