for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” Psalm 137:3 NIV
One of the hardest times to praise is when you are dining from the fruit of your own rebellion. Your sin has become public. Your poor choices are interacting with the consequences in such a way as to render you hopeless for an underdetermined period of time.
Shoulda, coulda, and woulda are on repeat, but give no consolation. I take no delight in your sadness and misery. I was with you before your stubbornness, during your rejection of My counsel, and while you sit in the discouraging awareness that your way ended in shame.
Though your slanderer sarcastically asks you to sing, remember. Though he accuses you of hypocrisy of singing from your mind without engaging your heart, sing again. Though all sense of protocol tells you not to sing in such a time as this, sing. Though your shame and sadness have robbed you of the joy of My presence, journey forward in songs of exaltation.
Joy in the journey of the hard times allows My harmony to accompany you through to My peace. Your mouth was created for life and praise. I’ve heard many reverberations in the pit of despair calling out “Why me, Lord?” This prayer breaks open the crusted hardness of the heart to see My love and feel the warmth of My presence.
Even when your brokenness has convinced you that I do not care or have time for you, at that precise moment, My Son intercedes for you asking Me to remember that YOU are My child. Sing, My child. Let My joy arise in the dry and parched landscape of your heart.
Worship brings the dew of heaven to allow your life to return to the beautiful life giving shades of green. Sing and listen to My voice accompanying yours with songs of deliverance and everlasting love.
Whispers from your Father, God