A true humble recognition of trouble for the Christian includes recognizing the world as a place of brokenness and still trusting that God’s purposes will be completed in our lives. This can only be set as true in our minds and hearts if we know the covenant keeping, stedfast love and faithfulness of a God who is able to finish our lives as they were designed to be finished. Here is where the assurance of God’s love demonstrated to us by the death of His Son, Jesus gathers our confidence. 

Where do you turn when you are feeling anxious, worried and full of trouble? I have found it hard over these last few weeks of mandatory isolation to feel settled. At unexpected times, fear has gripped me, worry has raised its ugly head, and I have been unable to keep from being deeply disquieted. This isn’t the first time I have felt the weight of impending, uncontrollable trouble. Where can we turn when we are facing trouble? Like many Christians throughout the centuries, I find myself turning back to the book of Psalms for wisdom and comfort.

This past week I did a deep dive into Psalm 57. It is a song of worship born out of isolation. Its cadence and tone show us that for those who are trusting in the covenant keeping, faithful God trouble is an opportunity to push into worship.

Turning trouble into worship takes three basic postures: Humility, Refusal and Anticipation.

Humble Recognition of Our Trouble vs 1-3

This Psalm of isolation begins with David’s full recognition that he is in trouble. The only time that people in the Bible call out for mercy (times two), look for a refuge, and ask God to cover them over (like a mother bird protecting her chicks) is when they know they are in trouble.

It’s important to know the tenor out of which this Psalm of worship grows. Don’t read past the first three verses too quickly. Don’t try and move past the trouble that surrounds us too quickly. It’s ok to feel it’s worry, it’s fear, it’s desperation.

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