When the Lord’s people lift up their united voices in praise to God, its effect is far-reaching. What we know of God and have experienced as His people is not insignificant when other people see genuine, heartfelt praise going unto God for His grace and goodness. Our praise to God for answers to prayer will hopefully reach people in other lands so that soon, all over the world, praise will be ascending to the throne of God, and our songs of worship will testify that “Our God is an awesome God.” True praise and sincere, heartfelt, heart- warming worship cannot be denied as real.
The testimony of deliverance produced the call, “Come and see the works of God.” Awe-inspiring evidence of divine deliverance through history still produces worship and praise. The crossing of the Red Sea on dry land, the power of God over the enemies of His people, who were much larger in number, is still recounted. The review of our history with God has a positive impact on our children and us, as well as often on other people. The day will come when Israel will worship. That nation has been tested like silver in the furnace. They have been imprisoned, have been in slavery, have been downtrodden all over the world, and have lived in danger for all their existence. And yet they remain as an identity. All that has happened to them has been for good purposes in some ways.
Testing and refining come to us all in one way or another as individuals and the people of God. Those things come when the heat of problems, difficulties, and pressures are applied and allowed for divine purposes. Trials refine our character. Trials bring wisdom and discernment. Trials deliver us from falsehood. Trial discipline our thoughts and actions. Trials help us discern what is right and wrong in any given situation. Trials are actually a gift from God that we should cherish. Trials and faith belong together like prayer and praise.
After these things that may never be fully understood take place, God brings us into a “wealthy place” into His “house.” The testing gives us motivation. The psalmist said, “I will go… I will pay… I will offer… I will declare what He hath done for my soul.” When a person goes public with their faith, even in trials, and can openly call out, “Come and hear all ye that fear God…,” our personal testimony becomes impactful and insightful. The only barrier between God and us is, “If I regard iniquity in my heart.”
If, for some reason, we make bargains with God, “If You will …, then I will…”, those are vows to be carried out. Confession of sin requires us to pay attention to God, what He says, and why He says it. If there are sins we cherish, we build a barrier that keeps us away from Him. The attitude of open confession and obedience enables us to maintain personal fellowship and communion with God and a positive testimony to others.