January 8, 2026

Pleasing God…Even in Your Sorrow

In Psalm 69, David shares his innermost thoughts as he cries out to God, afflicted, sorrowful, beaten down, and distressed. David felt like he was sinking in floodwaters, caught in the quicksand of difficulties.

If you are like me, I am sure you have been there too. In fact, you may feel like you are there right now. Floodwaters of trouble have come into your life. You are treading water, and it seems like you are about to go down for the third time.

For most of us, our response is to get down and depressed, to feel sorry for ourselves. And to hope we will receive comfort and encouragement from those around us.

David’s reaction was different. And a model for how we should respond to those times of sorrow and trouble in a way that pleases God. In verses 30 and 31 of Psalm 69 he states,

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull.

You know, anyone can sing when the sun is shining. It is easy to praise God and shout the victory when things are going your way. But to praise God when the chips are down…that brings pleasure to God.

To worship God, to magnify Him and to thank Him even when it looks like you are not going to make it, that pleases the heart of God. It shows Him something about you. It demonstrates that you have faith in Him, and it opens a way for Him to work in your life.

If your life feels full of sorrow and trouble, begin to praise God, and watch God work!

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