Worshipping God in tough times – Part 6

It is easier to worship God, when the going is good than when there are overwhelming challenges. True worshippers worship God under any circumstance and situation.

The problems of life multiply each day and assume very complex dimensions. The sheer weight of human problems is one of the reasons that compel us to worship God. The search for answers to the endless human problems drive us to seek for answers and the worship of a deity whom we believe has solutions to our problems.

But the truth is that some human problems hardly go away, they linger and stay with us for life. For instance, what does a family or parent does, when they have children with autism, Down Syndrome, mental retardation, learning challenges and polio, to mention a few. Scientists say there is a rise in cases of autism and Down Syndrome partly due to genetic disorders.

What does a true worshipper of God do, when there are no immediate or permanent solutions to the complex issues of life? Do we deny God or do we continue worshipping Him? Some worshippers backslide out of disillusionment that others renounced their faith, when solutions seem not to be in sight. Yet, others go after strange gods and syncretism. This is why I believe that in some cases, what worship does to us is change our attitude to problems, and not necessarily solve the problems. Job says, “Oh, that you would hide me in the grave, that you would conceal me until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change come” (Job 14:13,14).

The problems of life at times make us doubt God’s faithfulness and ability. But no matter the challenges we go through, God’s love, faithfulness and mercy towards His children is beyond question (Romans 8:35-39). Like the case of the man who was born blind, our lingering problems may have persisted, so that the works of God may be made manifest (John 9:1-3).

We must come to a point in our faith in God, where we worship Him not for gain, but for whom He is. We worship not because of our problems, but in spite of our problems. Worship is God’s due, it is a duty we owe Him, whether He blesses us or not. Worship is not optional, but the reason for our existence. Job said, “Though he slay me yet will I trust him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before him” (Job 13:15).

When Job had lost everything he had in life, his first reaction was to worship God. His wife even urged him to curse God, but he refused to do so. “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshipped. And he said: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.’ In all this, Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:20-22).

Have your problems lingered for too long and it seemed as if God is unable to change the situation? Don’t give up on God. God hardly knocks at the door before He appears. He is the God of “suddenly.” His visitation or appearance will be sudden. Wait for Him, He will certainly come!
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