Some of us live our lives in prose. Others in poetry. There are logic people and lyric people. Those who are grounded and those who float through life on a song. That’s stereotyping a bit, but the general principle holds. That’s what’s beautiful about this current series on the life of David. One week we look at an episode from his life and the next we study the song he wrote about it. Having looked at the narrative last week, we turn to the song this week. In the ascription to Psalm 59, we read, “To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.” In the verses that follow, we see David’s heart. Not merely facts but deep emotion and spirit and will. As we look at this psalm on Sunday, we’ll see what the worship of God looks like as we navigate despairing situations in our lives. And we’ll cap off the service with the Lord’s Table and a little extra worship in song.

Series: The Great Exchange

Todd Dugard

Message: 3 – From despair to worship Part 2

Harvest Bible Chapel

Text: Psalm 59

Sept 29, 2024

Life is hard, and the Scriptures give us voice to come to our God boldly and openly to express our pain, frustration, despair, and even anger.

David G. Barker

I will worship God in the midst of despair with…

…an unashamed plea for help (v. 1-2)

The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access.

Timothy Keller

Hebrews 4:16

…an unburdened conscience (v. 3-5)

The voyage through every psalm is incomplete until it harbours in Christ. He is always the destination, as well as the origin and way.

Chad Bird

Hebrews 10:10

…a full grasp of the enemy (v. 6-7, 14-15)

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

Sun Tzu, The Art of War

…a complete confidence in his plan (v. 8-13)

If you wake up feeling fragile, remember that God is not, and then trust him to be everything you need today.

Desiring God

…a full-throated song of praise (v. 16-17)