ASSIGNED TO PRAISE

ASSIGNED TO PRAISE

King Saul was in hot pursuit of David.  Just as long as David was slaying Saul’s enemies and soothing Saul’s emotional anguish via his anointed musical gift, Saul was ‘down’ with David’s personality and program.  This feels so typical.  While performing according to the expectations of others, one retains ‘hero’ status.  When diverging from the prescribed course-of-control, one can be deemed to be a rebel or an undesirable.  In that connection, some years ago, the Holy Spirit seemed to whisper in my spirit: ‘I saved you from SIN – now it’s time to get deliverance from PEOPLE.’  What a powerful personal revelation!  Instead of allowing CHRIST to be the Author and Finisher of our faith, many of us actually become IDOL WORSHIPERS by way of a curious co-dependency which involves the mutual acceptance and affirmation of others.

How I love David’s attitude!  Did you know that ATTITUDE IS A RELIABLE PREDICTOR OF ALTITUDE?  Think about it.  Just as surely as Saul was predisposed to panic, David seemed to be wired for worship.  I am inspired by David’s faith and tenacity.  Even though he was surrounded by destruction and death, David would sing “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)  This determination to practice the presence of the Lord through praise and worship motivated and mobilized David in critically difficult days.

I can almost envision David’s brain buzzing and his stomach churning when the women started offering him greater post-combat accolades than those afforded to King Saul.  They sang “Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands.” (I Samuel 18:7)  David knew intuitively that those troublesome lyrics would precipitate a crisis.  I can imagine David’s hands were waving frantically back-and-forth to cancel this dangerous tune, as his lips mimed in desperation, ‘NO…NO…NO…WRONG LYRICS!’

Eventually Saul became his archenemy and David was compelled to take refuge with the Philistines, the chief political rival of Israel.  Isn’t it ironic that he was treated with more acceptance and care by King Achish, than by his homeland monarch?  David ended up in a cave in a remote area called Adullam.  I am fascinated by the kind of people that were drawn to him.  The scriptures state, that in addition to David’s family, “every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them.” (I Samuel 22:2)  It’s simply uncanny WHO God will use to bless you!  So stop focusing on your external environment.  Neither your surroundings nor your situation ultimately matters – because GOD’S GOT YOUR BACK!

David’s dark cave was loaded with never-do-wells, but it was a DIVINE APPOINTMENT because everyone in that dismal cave was directly exposed to POWERFUL PRAISE!  I read an intriguing passage of scripture that clarifies the reason why David was sovereignly positioned in the Cave of Adullam.  Remember this: GOD is always up to something behind the scenes!

Joshua 15:20,35

20 This is the INHERITANCE of the tribe of the children of JUDAH according to their families.

35 Jarmuth, and ADULLAM, Socoh, and Azekah,

This scripture passage seems rather random and irrelevant at first glance; it merely cites cities in Canaan that were assigned to Judah.  The city of Adullam was specifically designated as the proprietary heritage of the Tribe of Judah.  Since JUDAH MEANS PRAISE, this two-line biblical deed signifies that ADULLAM WAS ASSIGNED TO PRAISE!  No wonder David was STILL PRAISING GOD in that distant, damp, dank and dark cave!  Why was David so committed to sustaining praise in a situation that seemed replete with reversals?  First of all, because GOD INHABITS PRAISE.  When you PRAISE HIM (in the midst of trouble), you bring Almighty God smack-dab-in-the-middle of your problem, pressure and pain!  Secondly, because PRAISE IS COMELY FOR THE UPRIGHT.  You ‘look’ and ‘feel’ so much better (and your environment is positively transformed) WHENEVER YOU ARE PRAISING HIM! (Psalm 33:1)

The name “ADULLAM” is fascinating because it means “REFUGE.”  Often, the place where God has assigned you LOOKS LIKE a test, a trial, a temptation, or a terrible time of trouble…but IF GOD PLACED YOU THERE (even in that troublesome and light-challenged cave)…YOUR CAVE OF ADULLAM BECOMES YOUR REFUGE.  Why?  Because Adullam is where God has you FOR A TIME, until he publicly brings you out into your appointed moment and place of divine destiny.  Be assured, HE will not leave you there!  ADULLAM is your PRESENT REFUGE – because in the darkness of Adullam, YOU WILL SEE AND PRAISE THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD!

In closing, read the following scripture passage and be mindful that no matter where you are…GOD IS!

Psalm 46 (New King James Version)

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

BELIEVER, YOU ARE ASSIGNED TO PRAISE…so right here…right now…PRAISE HIM!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!