Psalm 88:8-12 “You have taken my friends from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am confined, and I can’t escape. My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, LORD. I have spread out my hands to you. Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the departed spirits rise up and praise you? Selah. Is your loving kindness declared in the grave? Or your faithfulness in Destruction? Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?”

Sounds a little like Job, doesn’t it? In pleading with God for rescue, the Psalmist points out that he can’t praise God if he’s dead!

Should we “bargain” with God? It’s probably not the best idea, but we certainly have something here that seems true to life. In our despair we may resort to any and all means to end our trouble. Better to praise God instead of bargaining with Him, regardless of the circumstances.

Daniel 3:16-18 “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, ‘Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.’ ”

For additional worship: Praise You in This Storm (Casting Crowns)