In Psalm 32:7 a struggling David prays these words to God: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

He needs relief. He needs protection. And so he asks that God surround him “with songs of deliverance.” He knows that the music will serve as a kind of fortress—not only guarding him against deception and untruth, but lifting his spirit with the hope of a God who knows no defeat.

There are times when we too need relief, when we too need protection. In fact, we’re so besieged and beleaguered that we can’t find the right words to say. Even if we could, we’re not sure if we have the energy to say them.

This is one of the functions of worship. It surrounds you ‘with songs of deliverance.’

–It is one of the ways God holds you.
–It is one of the ways God puts wonderful words in your mouth when you not sure what to even utter.
–It is one of the ways God picks you up and sets you back on the right path when you’re wandering, or when you’re too tired to stumble out of the ditch.

Worship God. Sing to him. On Sunday. Or today. Or any day.

We often think that singing songs to God is something WE do. But what if it is also something GOD does to us and for us?

We can get so besieged and beleaguered that we can’t find the right words to say. So let God do for you what you can’t do for yourself.

Let him surround you with songs of deliverance.

By Matthew Ruttan

—New, Extra Feature. When I prepare sermons there is always additional research that is done for each biblical passage, but which I don’t always share in the sermon itself. Starting now, I will occasionally share that extra background in a podcast (listening) format for those who want to go deeper. Here is the link to the message “God’s people, God’s priorities” that includes the YouTube version, the audio-only version, and now the BONUS deeper content. (The link to the extra content is at the bottom.) Enjoy! Deep roots for a windy world.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.