I am a native of the D.M.V. (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area). Since I was born and raised there, I understand the regional importance of go-go music. Go-Go music can be described as a funk-inspired genre with a heavy emphasis on percussions. It is the sound of the city and a part of its culture. Therefore, it came as a surprise to many locals when a resident attempted to silence the signature sound. The citizens rallied together and refused to allow one person to mute the culture. Just as go-go is vital to the D.M.V. region, our praise, worship and pleas are essential in our relationship with God. As Christians, we must also resist being muted.
In 2 Samuel 12, King David is confronted by God, for his adultery and murder, through the Prophet Nathan. The prophet has come to bring the Lord’s rebuke and judgment upon King David for his sin. Although he confessed and received forgiveness for his sin, part of King David’s consequence was that the son that was born to Bathsheba and him (conceived through the adultery) would die. However, King David did not allow this to mute his voice before God. In 2 Samuel 12:15-16, Then Nathan departed to his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and it became ill. David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.
What is your response when sin, trials, sickness, tribulations, etc., enter your life? Are you muted or do you still seek God? It is so easy for us to allow the cares of this world to stop our praise and hinder our relationship with God. It is easy to feel that when we have sinned, we do not deserve to be heard by our Lord. Let me assure you that the opposite is true. God wants us to come to Him with every sin and care. This is why Jesus came and died so that sin would not be a barrier between Him and us. We should not allow shame and guilt to mute us. Just like King David, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
After seven (7) days of illness, the Word of the Lord came to pass and King David’s son died. How did King David respond? So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate (2 Samuel 12:20). King David would not be muted in the midst of tragedy. He chose to worship God.
King David’s response and worship to God was not based on his circumstances (and neither should ours be). God deserves all of the glory and praise that we can render to Him. Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7) is what He desires for us. Through the good and challenging times, I encourage you to lift your voice before God. Do not be muted but let us live the words that King David wrote in Psalm 34:1-6:
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Don’t be muted!
For more on removing barriers in your relationship with Christ, read Repent.
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Copyright 2020 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Excellent! The Lord continues to have mercy on me. He guides me and strengthens my soul daily. I find that recognizing your Blessings and acknowledging your Faith in him will not go on deaf ears. We must NOT be ashamed to have CONVERSATIONS with God. He is always present. Thank you TL for another learning lesson.
Theresa,
Well said! I agree that God is always listening and waiting for us to come to Him (for every situation). We must not hinder ourselves from receiving all that He is to us.
Blessings,
T.L.
AMEN…AMEN…AMEN
Excellent! We often pray to the Lord when circumstances cause us to be fearful, sad, worried,or depressed. What we often forget is to not only come to Him with our circumstances but to include praise and thanksgiving to our Lord. We often forget that while God will forgive our sins we may still have consequences for that sin. Another blog to make us think!
Alicia,
To God be all of the glory!!! Like most of my posts, this one comes from personal experience. I recently realized that there have been seasons of my life when I unconsciously muted myself for various reasons. However, as soon as I run back into the presence of God with my confessions, pleas, praise, and worship, I receive an inner strength and comfort that is only found in Him. I am humbled to be able to share and grateful for the Spirit illuminating His truth to you in a personal way.
Blessings,
T.L.