WEAKNESS AND WORSHIP
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 59:16 (NIV)
When tears become your song and surrender your melody,
you are closer to the heart of worship than ever before.
Matt Maher
Susanna Wesley (1669-172) lived a life marked by hardship. She bore nineteen children, nine of whom died in infancy. Her husband, Samuel Wesley, never saw fit to stay home and nurture the family. They endured crushing poverty, the burning of their home (twice) and Samuel was imprisoned for debt. But in the midst of exhaustion, loss and isolation, Susanna turned her weakness into worship.
With no church building, choir or musical instruments, she gathered her children each week around a small table in their kitchen in Epworth, England. There she read Scripture, prayed and sang hymns. Word spread, and neighbors began to attend. Within weeks, more than two hundred people crowded into their home to hear her read the Bible and lead worship. She never called it preaching, only a time to speak with God.
Susanna’s worship flowed from her dependence, not her strength. With ten children to teach, she drew her apron over her head each afternoon–a makeshift prayer tent–to find stillness before the Lord. That simple act became a sanctuary, a space where weakness met divine presence. Through her private and family worship, Susanna shaped the faith of her sons John and Charles Wesley, who later ignited one of the greatest revival movements in Christian history. Her worship amid poverty and grief became the soil of renewal for millions. Susanna Wesley never stood in a pulpit or led an army of believers, but she worshiped God faithfully when life pressed hard on every side. Her quiet prayers in the kitchen became songs that transformed nations.
Today’s Scripture speaks of God’s strength, love and protection. These bring thoughts and feelings of comfort and rest, especially in times of trouble and hardship.
APPLICATION: Today, worship in your weakness. Bring to God what you have. Seek His love and kindness.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You that You meet me not only in strength but in my weakness. When I feel weary, overwhelmed, or unseen, help me turn my heart to You. Give me the courage to lift my voice in praise even when life presses in hard. May my worship, even when I’m feeling weak, draw me closer to You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?