Worship is Always an Appropriate Response to Heartache

“Then Job arose…and worshipped,” Job 1:20b

As Job was coming to terms with his loss, he wisely didn’t leave God out of the picture. As hard as it was for him to sing, pray or praise, he availed himself of the healing power of worship. Some of the hardest, yet most inspiring moments of worship, for me occurred during the hardest of times. The raw emotions of sadness and loss can give you an eternal perspective. There is a sense of “coming to terms” with the reality that problems on this earth do end.

As Christians, we find assurance in the promises of God’s Word. Songs of worship that express these promises can be some of the most encouraging activities in a time of intense grief. Timely words sung at the right moment can bring a wave of comfort and release in God’s faithful presence. Some of my most profound moments with God have been during these times, as tears would flow and faith would be expressed through prayer and song. Job spent time on his face worshipping God. There was no human to lean on…just he and God. True healing always takes place in the arms of God.

Being in church after the death of someone you loved might be difficult at first. Certain hymns or songs, Scripture passages, or even just the physical presence of the sanctuary might bring overwhelming emotion to the surface. Most of the time, public worship is geared to joy, praise, and thanksgiving, which is far from your heart. But hang in there, as the joy will come back. The Holy Spirit will see to it that you can lament appropriately. Pray like David, that God will restore your joy – “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation…” (Psalm 51:12).

When grieving people face tough issues, emotional worship is a cleansing release. Many a time I have put the headphones on, turned up my piano/cello instrumental worship and lost myself in deep sobs of wonderful expressions of praise. Yes…God is good even when times are bad!