During our worship time, we used to sing action songs with the kids.
One of the most popular songs said, “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.” I often wondered, “How many of the people here today are clapping their hands because they are supposed to and not because they are happy?”
Worship services often seem to be set up for those who are happy. We sing happy songs. We read scriptures that promise great blessings. Someone teaches about how God cared for his people in the past. We smile and shake hands and say, “I am fine,” when we are asked how we are doing.
What happens when you are not happy? What happens when the smile on your face is more fake than real? Is there a place for sadness in our worship? King David would say, “Absolutely!”
In Psalm 6, David is facing several unpleasant emotions. He confesses that he is feeling faint and that his bones are in agony (verse 2). His soul is in anguish, and he wonders, “How long, O Lord, how long?” (verse 3). He is worn out from all his groaning and at night he drenches his bed with tears. There seems to be no end in sight and David is not sure how much longer he can go on.
Then, David does a second, very important thing: he remembers what God is like. He thinks about God’s mercy and his ability to heal (verse 2). He remembers God’s unfailing love and reassures himself that God not only hears his prayer but accepts it and him. In other words, David switches his focus from his very real troubles to his even more real and powerful Father.
Though his circumstances have not changed, this process allows David to see things differently and he praises God as he looks to a better future. In fact, scholars believe that Psalm 7, a song of praise and confidence, was originally part of Psalm 6 and formed one long song ending in hope.
Not only should you worship when you are sad, scared, lonely, or confused, I would argue that you must because that is the only way to find the answers you need.
Keep your eyes on God. He will walk with you through anything.
