Preparation for Praise
Preparation for praise involves suffering, refinement, and enlargement of spiritual understanding, ultimately leading to a tender and true heart.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of enduring trials and suffering, drawing inspiration from the experiences of David in the Bible. He emphasizes that every sorrow and deliverance in our lives adds to the beautiful melody of praise we offer to God. By waiting on God and surrendering to His will, we can deepen our relationship with Him and be transformed to be more like Christ, increasing our capacity for empathy and understanding. Cowman encourages the congregation not to fear the trials that come their way, as these experiences are opportunities for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.
Text
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the ordeal that has come to test you...you are sharing what Christ suffered; so rejoice in it" (1 Peter 4:12).
Many a waiting hour was needful to enrich the harp of David, and many a waiting hour in the wilderness will gather for us a psalm of "thanksgiving, and the voice of melody," to cheer the hearts of fainting ones here below, and to make glad our Father's house on high.
What was the preparation of the son of Jesse for the songs like unto which none other have ever sounded on this earth?
The outrage of the wicked, which brought forth cries for God's help. Then the faint hope in God's goodness blossomed into a song of rejoicing for His mighty deliverances and manifold mercies. Every sorrow was another string to his harp; every deliverance another theme for praise.
One thrill of anguish spared, one blessing unmarked or unprized, one difficulty or danger evaded, how great would have been our loss in that thrilling Psalmody in which God's people today find the expression of their grief or praise!
To wait for God, and to suffer His will, is to know Him in the fellowship of His sufferings, and to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. So now, if the vessel is to be enlarged for spiritual understanding, be not affrighted at the wider sphere of suffering that awaits you. The Divine capacity of sympathy will have a more extended sphere, for the breathing of the Holy Ghost in the new creation never made a stoic, but left the heart's affection tender and true. --Anna Shipton
"He tested me ere He entrusted me" (1 Tim. 1:12, Way's Trans.).
Sermon Outline
- I. Preparation for Praise
- A. The ordeal of suffering
- B. The refining of the heart
- C. The enlargement of spiritual understanding
- II. The Harp of David
- A. Outrage and deliverance
- B. Sorrow and joy
- C. The string of suffering
- III. The Fellowship of Sufferings
- A. To wait for God
- B. To suffer His will
- C. To be conformed to Christ
Key Quotes
“Many a waiting hour was needful to enrich the harp of David, and many a waiting hour in the wilderness will gather for us a psalm of thanksgiving, and the voice of melody,” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We must be willing to suffer and wait for God in order to be prepared for praise.
- Our suffering and deliverance can be used by God to enrich our lives and the lives of others.
- The Holy Spirit can help us develop a tender and true heart through His work in our lives.