Worshipping In Spite Of The Circumstances

Navigating life through the pandemic has come with its high points as well as its low points. The last nearly two years have been interesting, to say the least. Yet through this time, we have still had reasons to find joy. One such source of joy for me has been seeing believers wearing their masks and still worshiping God at the altar. I have seen this in pictures and in person and every time it has given me yet another reason to joyfully thank God. The act of worshiping with a mask on shows someone’s dedication to the Lord. Their willingness to continue to fully reach out to God despite the circumstances surrounding them. It is a modern visual interpretation of the very thing we are called to do in the scripture. Worship God in spite of whatever troubles we may be facing at the moment. 

Please understand that this article has nothing to do with if you should or should not wear a mask. That’s your decision to make based on your personal situation. I simply believe seeing masked believers in the alter speaks great volumes and truly illustrates the call of scripture to worship in every circumstance. We can all admit that the pandemic has been hard and brought various troubles into every person’s life. But in spite of this true believers have continued to worship the Lord. Doing so whether masked or unmasked.  Whether needing to attend church virtually or able to attend in person. All across this world, the Lord has continued to be worshiped in spite of all we have been facing. Which is is exactly what we are taught to do in Scripture. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV)

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

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

In fact, worshiping in spite of the circumstances is the example we are given to follow in the Bible. As we read how the first church responded to tough times we see them praise God. They didn’t turn away from their faith, question God’s love, get angry with God, or anything of the like when struggle entered their life. No, they kept on worshiping God as they had when things were going well. Trusting and believing fully that God was in control. Just look at how Paul and Silas responded after being beaten and thrown in prison. 

Acts 16:23–25 (ESV)

23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

That’s not the only moment of suffering Paul suffered either. The truth is his life got much worse physically after coming to faith in Christ. He went from being a well-respected leader in the Jewish faith to being hated, abused, beaten, homeless, and so much more. Yet in spite of all the horrible circumstances surrounding him, Paul never stopped worshiping the Lord. He had a hope that went beyond what he could feel and see. Knowing that one day all he suffered would be nothing compared to the glory he would receive in Heaven. Giving him all the reason he needed to keep on worshiping God regardless of where life took him. 

2 Corinthians 11:23–28 (ESV)

23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

Philippians 1:15–19 (ESV)

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,

Romans 8:18 (ESV)

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

There are two constant truths in the Christian faith it is easier to pray in the bad times and praise in the good times. But that’s not the way it should be. Instead, we should be praying and praising at all times in every circumstance just as scripture teaches. What is going on around us should never affect the way in which serve God. What is happening in our lives can definitely impact what we pray and worship about. But circumstances shouldn’t fully alter the ways in which we serve God. Instead our lives should be built upon the daily acts of prayer of worship. No matter how great or awful the times we are facing may be. 

This pandemic has given us a lot to pray about that’s for sure. But it hasn’t taken away every reason to worship the Lord. Times have really looked bleak throughout this, especially when it all started, but in spite of that, the church has still had a reason to worship the Lord. Like Paul, we can praise God both for what he has already done for us. As well as for the great blessing we know lie ahead for all though who believe. And this is true in any circumstance outside the current pandemic. As blood-bought followers of Christ, we are never without a reason to offer great praise to the one who forever changed our lives. 

John 3:16 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Revelation 21:4 (ESV)

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Maybe you are among those that through the last year and a half have walked down to alter every week with your mask on. Still praising the Lord in spite of the circumstances shown right on your own face. If so thank you for helping to inspire further praise in those like me. Who have found great comfort and joy in your willingness to keep on serving God in these trying times. If you haven’t worn a mask but haven’t altered your praise either, then I thank you as well. For not allowing the circumstances to dictate your worship. 

The truth is anyone who has continued to worship God throughout this pandemic has done so in spite of the circumstances and that’s a great victory. God truly is worthy of all praise and if we really look we will be able to see how God has been with us through it all. If you have lost your praise because of recent, or even any past, events know you still have a reason to worship. It’s not too late to start offering God all the praise he is worthy of today. Do it in spite of all you feel, think, and are currently going through. Because you can trust that God is working all of it for a greater purpose and that He hasn’t forgotten about you. 

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.