ASSIGNED TO PRAISE

ASSIGNED TO PRAISE

King Saul was in hot pursuit of David, who was running for his life.  As long as David slayed Saul’s enemies and soothed Saul’s emotional anguish via his anointed musical gift, Saul was ‘down’ with David’s personality and program.  This is such typical human behavior.  While performing according to the expectations of others, one retains ‘hero’ status.  Whenever diverging from the prescribed course-of-control, one can be deemed to be rebellious or undesirable.  In that connection, some years ago, the Holy Spirit whispered 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 become IDOL WORSHIPERS by way of a curious co-dependency which involves the acceptance and affirmation of others.

How I love David’s attitude!  Did you know that one’s ATTITUDE IS A RELIABLE PREDICTOR OF LIFE-ALTITUDE?  Think about it.  Just as surely as Saul was predisposed to panic, David was wired for worship.  I am absolutely inspired by David’s faith and tenacity.  Although 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 through critically difficult days.

I can almost envision David’s brain buzzing and his stomach churning when the Israeli women started offering him greater post-combat accolades than those ascribed 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 waving frantically back-and-forth to cancel this dangerous tune, as his lips might have 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 the enemy king, Achish, than by his homeland monarch?  David wound up in a cave in a remote area called Adullam.  I am fascinated by the kind of people that were drawn to him there.  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 external environmental conditions.  Neither your surroundings, nor your situation ultimately matter – 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 LIBERATING AND POWERFUL PRAISE!  I read an intriguing passage of scripture that clarifies the reason why David was sovereignly positioned within the Cave of Adullam.  Remember.  GOD is always up to something behind the scenes!  Hear the Word of the Lord:

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 somewhat random and irrelevant at first glance.  It merely cites cities in Canaan that were assigned to the Tribe of Judah.  The city of Adullam was specifically designated as the proprietary heritage of Judah.  Since JUDAH ACTUALLY MEANS PRAISE, this two-line biblical message 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.  Whenever we PRAISE HIM (in the midst of trouble), we bring Almighty God smack-dab-in-the-middle of our problems, pressures and pains!  Secondly, because PRAISE IS COMELY FOR THE UPRIGHT, we ‘look’ and ‘feel’ so much better (and our environment is positively transformed) WHENEVER WE ARE PRAISING HIM! (Psalm 33:1)

The name “ADULLAM” is fascinating because it means “REFUGE.”  Often, the place where God has assigned us might LOOK LIKE a test, a trial, a temptation, or a terrible time of trouble…but IF GOD HAS PLACED US THERE (even in a troublesome and light-challenged cave)…OUR ‘CAVE OF ADULLAM’ BECOMES OUR REFUGE.  Why?  Because Adullam is where God has situated us FOR A TIME, until he publicly brings us out into our appointed moment and place of divine destiny.  Be assured, HE will not leave us there!  ADULLAM is our PRESENT REFUGE – because in the darkness of Adullam, WE WILL SENSE 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

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…right here…right now…so 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!