1 Samuel 30:6 gives us some insight into a very difficult time in David's life. Under a great amount of grief and pressure, he is still able to encourage (strengthen) himself in the Lord. In fact, many of the Songs of Deliverance that we read in the Psalms came out of these types of situations. There's something for each of us to learn here.
If you are like me, then you have only been taught to pray in times of great difficulty. It's in the offering up of the Prayers of Salvation that we bring our requests unto God. In this place of fellowship with God, we are often encouraged in our faith. We learn to trust in Him and His goodness in our lives. However, I think we may be missing out on a great opportunity to strengthen ourselves. The Prayers of Salvation are good but don't neglect the Songs of Deliverance.
Songs of Deliverance come in various forms. Some of these songs are a part of the psalms and illustrate for us the times that God had intervened in the life of David. In this context, the songs are historical in nature and give testimony to what God has done. However, these songs cannot be viewed in just a historical context. Many of the songs that David sang were also prophetic in nature. You must remember that David was a part of the school of prophets that taught men how to prophecy through songs and instruments. Many times in the Old Testament we read about the worshipers actually going out before the armies and God bringing the victory. What was happening? The worshipers would lead in the praises of God and sing songs of deliverance to create an atmosphere of victory. Then the people of God would simply step into what had already been proclaimed.
David was a worshiper and a man after God's own heart. His life is continually marked with the attitude of discovering God in every situation. What David was dealing with in 1 Samuel brought great discouragement to his heart. And it is my belief that David was able to pray and praise himself into a place of great strength. This is one of the greatest lessons that we need to learn. When we combine the Prayers of Salvation with the Songs of Deliverance, we come into a place where we can encounter the Lord Our Strength.
Imagine taking your difficulty before the Lord - your cry out unto Him. Then imagine getting up from that place, lifting your hands unto the heavens, and singing out the faithfulness of our God. You may sing a familiar song that gives your comfort or it may be a song that is birthed out of your time of prayer. Regardless of the type of song, you are learning how to praise your way to victory. And there are a lot of battles that are never won until we learn how to give praise out of the difficulty.
Many people read the Psalms and consider that David is just celebrating a victory. However, more often than not he was singing unto victory. The song of his heart was matching the prayer of his heart, and God was moved by His faith and proclamation. I have personally seen people get victory in their lives when they chose to praise God in the midst of their circumstances rather than just crying out to Him in prayer.
Worship also allows us to move into a place of great confidence. Unless you are hearing from God during your time of prayer, it's easy to walk away from that place and say "Well, I have left it in God's hands." Adding a Song of Deliverance to that statement will also help you establish your heart in confidence toward God. I remind you of Paul and Silas, imprisoned for preaching the gospel, in the midnight hour lifting their prayers and praise unto God. And God showed up!!! Foundations were shaken, prison doors flew open, chains fell off, people were saved, and they were delivered.
Never underestimate the powerful combination of prayer and praise. Make a habit of putting them together in faith. Pray out of a contrite heart and praise out of a genuine heart. This is the art of strengthening yourself in the Lord. Remember Joshua 1:9, "This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
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