How to Deal with Spiritual Crisis

featured article on www.ministryLIVE.org

“Which is the best response in the midst of a crisis; to begin to worship or to stand on the word?” To be honest, this question from my brother confused me a bit, partly because I had never considered there to be a dichotomy between holding fast to God’s word and praising him in the midst of trial. But beyond this was a more subtle question. Does the proper response in the midst of a crisis ensure our deliverance?

Those who emphasize standing on the word point to passages such as Joshua 1:8

This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you might be careful to do according to all that is written in it.…for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8.

In a similar fashion many turn to 2 Chronicles 20 when teaching on praising God in the midst of trials. Three armies were coming against God's people. As King Jehoshaphat and the people sought the Lord they said, "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on You." God assured them that "The battle is not yours, but the Lords. Stand and see the salvation of God." The next day, as they went to the battle field, they placed the singers in front of the army, where they began singing praises to God, "For His mercies endure forever." As they sang, God began to route their enemies and they began destroying one another.

A similar example is found in Acts 16. Paul and Silas had walked in radical obedience to God, yet in spite of this they found themselves beaten, imprisoned and apparently forsaken. How did they respond? They began to lift up hymns of praise. At midnight, in the midst of their praise, God sent an earthquake and delivered them.

Based on these and other examples, many believe that by definition praise is an opportunity to express their faith in God's power, when facing life's challenges. Just as Job prayed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15).

We note in each of these examples that both praise and worship and standing on God’s word are central. In fact there is a strong Biblical precedence for proclaiming God's mighty deeds in the midst of trial, as a means of bolstering faith and giving Him glory. David practiced this throughout the Psalms (set to music), as did Stephen when he was on trial in Acts 7.

Many who teach on speaking or singing the word also see these responses as a means of spiritual warfare. In these discussions they point to Paul's statement…

"We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this present world, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

From this perspective praise and prayer are seen as closely related. One example is Daniel who prayed for 21 days before an angel arrived in response to his cry (Dan. 10). The angel declared that, though he was sent the moment Daniel began to pray, he was delayed in battle with heavenly forces. The implication being that Daniel's faithful intercessory prayers were instrumental in his victory.

It is important to balance this discussion and understand that nowhere in the Bible does it state that our praise controls, releases or forces God's hand. I guarantee to you that Paul and Silas’ motivation for praising the Lord from prison was not that by praising God they would ensure their deliverance. Rather it was a passionate love for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yes, God responded by delivering them, but what about Steven and James?

The reality is that God delights in the praises of His children. As a result it’s true that, in His sovereignty God often chooses to affirm and move in the context of His praising people. It’s also true, as in Stephen's case, that at times deliverance and victory may not be fully achieved until we have passed this life. Just as with Stephen and the saints in Hebrews 11, at times the fullness of God's promises may not be fully realized until after death.

However this is no way reduces our reason to praise His name! One would have to have a very limited, temporal perspective to call this bad news. Sacrificial worship indeed is laying up treasures for the life to come.

“For eye has not seen no ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love Him!” (1 Cor. 2:9)

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (Jas. 1:12)

Consider Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. When faced with a firey furnace, note their response.

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Dan. 3:17-18

I submit that worshiping God and standing on His word is always the right choice; a way of expressing our unwavering faith in Him. I also submit that God will respond by implementing His unique and sovereign will in each circumstance. Praise puts me in my proper place and God in His. And that’s a good place to be.

In closing, I come back the original question. I am reminded of the verse in Revelation 12:11 that states that "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death."