At the Altar – Week 2

Worship in the Wilderness

Pastor Daryl Black


1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 New King James Version

16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.


Rejoice always.


Exodus 15:1–2a New Living Translation

1Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord: ‘I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. 2The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.

  •  Joy in the wilderness is not denial, it’s declaration.


Pray continually.


  Exodus 33:11a New King James Version

So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.

  • When you can’t hear God’s voice, trust His character.

  


Give thanks in all circumstances.


 Numbers 14:1–2a, 26–29a New King James Version

1So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. 2And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, ‘If only we had died in the land of Egypt!’

… 26And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 27‘How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me. 28Say to them, “As I live,” says the Lord, “just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you: 29the carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness.


Psalm 34:1 New King James Version

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.


Habakkuk 3:17a–18 English Standard Version

17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.


Exodus 15:20–21 New Living Translation, New King James Version

20Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. 21And Miriam answered them: “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!”


Reflective Questions for the week:

  • What wilderness am I walking through right now?
  • Am I rejoicing or complaining?
  • Am I staying connected in prayer or shutting down?
  • What am I thanking God for in this season?

Now What?

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 New King James Version

16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Question to Ask:

What wilderness am I walking through right now? Am I rejoicing or complaining? Am I staying connected in prayer or shutting down? What am I thanking God for in this season?

Application:

Of rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks— which one do you need to grow in most this week? Who can walk with you or help keep you accountable as you focus on it? What’s one practical step you can take this week to make progress in that area?