Worship Intelligently

I will . . . praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. In the day when I cried out, You answered me.

Psalm 138:2–3

David notes three things for which we are to praise God when we are in trouble. These make a great outline for praying in times of trouble.

1. Praise Him for His mercy and truth. God is perfectly balanced in mercy and in truth. When you come to Him, His truth is tempered by mercy and His mercy is illumined by truth.

2. Praise Him for His magnified Word. When you read God’s Word and read of His loving-kindness and truth, you can know that the integrity of God and His name are behind those words.

3. Praise Him for His mighty provision. Whatever His answer, it gives us strength that makes us bold. And boldness allows us to face troubles without fear. We face trouble with confidence and strength, knowing that God is with us and will see us through. That kind of perspective keeps us from cowering in the corners of life and gives us the confidence to face each day unafraid of what it might bring.