Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Psalm 57:8-11
8Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
Wake up! Do you ever find yourself in a complacent season of worship? Does your faith feel sleepy today? Psalm 57 calls our heart, soul, and mind to wake up!
Seasons of frustration can lead to complacency. It is hard to offer praise when we are experiencing fear or suffering. While David fled from Saul’s pursuit, he rested in caves under the protection of God’s refuge. From the midst of his circumstances, this beautiful psalm emerged reminding his soul to stay alert of God’s faithfulness. David learned that his joy did not depend on whether or not he liked his circumstances. There was still room to be fully present in his faith. He could still exalt God among the nations and the people, even when the day ahead was hard.
Awake, my glory! This term refers to one’s whole being, and our whole being is exactly what God desires of our worship. Jesus taught us in Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” In contrast, the opposite of giving “all” would be to give only “some” or “none” at all. What part of your being are you giving God today?
Sadly, all of us have experienced seasons when we have worshipped God with a distracted mind, absent body, and half-hearted spirit. We are human, but God doesn’t want us to miss a minute of His goodness! He loves you and me and desires to spend time with us. He wants to talk and listen in prayer and reveal His great character and blessing through His Word. Oh, what we miss when we are not fully present in His great presence!
There is a long pillow resting on a bench in my family’s breakfast area with the words “Be Present” embroidered on the front. It serves not only as a comfort for our backs, but also a reminder to be fully engaged with each other as we break bread together. We decided long ago that our family meals would be shared without cell phones and other distractions. Sharing meals together while fully present has helped us foster eye contact, listening, and sharing during mealtime. This concept of spending time together while being fully present is vital to growing healthy relationships. The most important relationship we will ever have is that with our Lord Jesus Christ; are you fully present in His presence today?
If it’s been a while since you’ve felt fully present with the Lord, perhaps it is just that your faith feels sleepy and needs to awaken. Awake, my glory! We only have to turn to Him. He will restore us and renew our relationship with Him. Cry out to the Lord for help, and start with praise. Try putting distractions down and let God have time with your whole being today!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, you are worthy of worship from my whole being! Forgive me for the times I have given you my leftovers and meager portions of my heart, soul, and mind. Wake me up and teach me how to live out the words of this psalm today: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations… Be exalted, O God…” In Jesus, Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 63:3
Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You.