Greetings to you in the name of the One who is worthy to be praised and adored, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What an interesting morning in the Kingdom…all the sunshine is coming our way in liquid form! Nevertheless – this is another one of those days that He made for us…and we are encouraged to find reasons to be ‘glad and rejoice’. I will be praying for you today, asking Father to put a song in your heart and to send you a “word” of encouragement.
I have been reminded once again of the importance of worship in my life. This morning finds me wondering why, when people are new in their faith the focus on discipleship is on Bible lessons and learning to pray and the ABC’s of giving a testimony…but very little attention, it seems, is given to the art of worship. By “art of worship” I mean developing a relationship with God, an intimacy with Father-Son-Holy Spirit. Maybe it is because there are some aspects of being His child that take time to develop. I rather think that that is why I so appreciate the insight of Eugene Peterson’s explanation of Matthew 11:28 – 30: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
I think that the most important things about God and His ‘ways and means’ came to me through “unforced” avenues of praise and worship and drawing close to God. These ‘rhythms of grace’ happened at unscheduled, undisciplined, and unexpected moments that didn’t, and still don’t, make any sense. I suppose it is because when I worship Him and seek His presence, I am drawing near to Him…and His Word promises me that if I draw near to Him, then He would draw near to me. Of course, it only stands to reason that when there is nearness I hear better, understand more, and can make application with greater insight. “Whatever the issue in your life is, the key is to worship a holy God who created you and knows everything about you – your failures, shortcomings, insecurities, besetting sins, and fears. He sits on His throne, omniscient, and says something like this” ‘I know your final destination, and I know how to get you from where you are now to where I want you to be…if you’ll worship Me, I will visit with you.'” Chuck Pierce with John Dickson.
One important thing I have learned about worship is that it is most powerful and appropriate when it happens in moments that are counter-intuitive…when life seems to be falling apart and when I am at my weakest and when it is the last thing I really want to do. I appreciate the teaching that says: Sometimes praise and worship will be the only thing you do in a situation. You will stand and praise God while the tornadoes of life whirl around you, and you will see God move on your behalf. And then you will understand the hidden power of praise. When you understand that concept, it will change your life. Stormie Ormartian
I must close with words of a song, is that a surprise?: When I magnify (worship) Your name-All my troubles seem so small-And I will lift my hands and worship You again-For I it makes You smile-Every time I worship You” – The Taylors.
Be blessed – enjoy the day!