November 21, 2025

WORSHIP GOD IN MOMENTS OF JOY AND GRIEF

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“O God my rock,” I cry, “why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?” Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?” Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!”

Psalm 42:9–11 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

David is known for many things, but one of his greatest qualities was his commitment to worship. He wrote a large portion of the Book of Psalms. He danced with wholehearted abandon when the Ark of the Covenant finally entered Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14). Even after the death of his child, he went straight to the Tabernacle to worship (2 Samuel 12:20). In both celebration and sorrow, David’s instinct was to honor God.

Psalm 42 gives us a glimpse into one of David’s darker seasons. He feels forgotten. He’s overwhelmed by grief. His enemies mock him. He says plainly that he is discouraged and sad. Yet right in the middle of those emotions, there’s a shift. David chooses to praise during his pain. He declares, “I will put my hope in God… I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!”

That same choice is set before each of us. Life will bring moments of joy and moments of deep struggle. If we allow our circumstances to determine our worship, our praise will rise and fall like a roller coaster. But David shows us a better way—praise that isn’t controlled by feeling, praise that stands firm whether it’s a season of victory or a season of sorrow.

At one point, David was criticized by his own wife for being “too undignified” in his worship. She didn’t understand his passion. David’s response was simple: “I am willing to look even more foolish than this” (2 Samuel 6:22, NLT). Scripture concludes that story with an important note—Michal remained childless for the rest of her life (v. 23).

This isn’t about physical infertility. It’s a spiritual lesson: where praise is absent, spiritual fruit dries up. Life flows through people who worship wholeheartedly. Praise makes room for the presence of God, and the presence of God produces life.

Reflection

1. Spiritual vitality grows in people who praise.

2. We can worship God in moments of joy and in moments of grief.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, teach me to be a person of praise. Help me honor God in seasons of celebration and seasons of hardship. Fill my heart with gratitude and worship so that Your life can flow through me. Make me a person who praises You wholeheartedly. Amen.

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