Worship that Pleases
God
On occasion I’ve tarried in the car to hear
the last point of a radio sermon, then rushed into Thursday morning
Bible study, catching just the last song or even totally missing
“worship.” On Sunday morning, I’ve found myself distracted from
the hymns as I turn my mind to details of ministry and service.
Oops! I’ve missed the “worship” again. While all have their eyes
closed in prayer, I write out a check for the offering. Once again
I’ve let the
opportunity to worship pass. Or have I?
If asked about worship, many Christians might immediately think
of singing and prayer; but worship is so much more. Christ gave
some interesting instructions on how we are to worship. He seemed
far more interested in heart attitude than in songs and fancy sounding
prayers.
In Matt 15:8-9 Jesus quoted a passage from the Old Testament: “These
people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by
men.” Throughout scripture we are reminded of the fact that
God looks at the heart not at the outward appearance.
John 4:23-24 records a discussion with the Samaritan woman at the
well where Jesus declared, “Yet a time is coming and has now
come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit
and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in
truth."
Jesus said not a word to the Samaritan woman about singing praises
or prayer, but focused on a truthful attitude of worship within
the spirit. Jesus countered the temptation of Satan by drawing on
a command to “worship the Lord your God, and serve him only”
(Matt 4:10). Apparently the exclusive worship of our God goes hand
in hand with our service.
So what constitutes true worship of the Lord? God wants all of our
lives. Our worship is not limited to singing hymns in church, praying,
or reading His word, although these forms of worship bless our hearts
and God’s heart immensely. A heart of true worship is to permeate
every aspect of our existence, moment by moment, through every encounter
and in every activity.
I may find myself worshipping as I walk in the beauty of nature
or as I stand at the kitchen sink and wash dishes. I worship as
I reach out to help another in need or as I read a book, even a
secular book. I worship both when I give to the Lord and when I
receive his blessings with thanksgiving.
True worship is an attitude that draws near to the Lord in all things,
recognizing his presence, acknowledging his lordship, and loving
him with all the heart, soul, and mind. It happens on the inside
so that the glory of God is reflected on the outside.
My singing voice is not skilled or trained, but still I love to
sing praises to God. My favorite place to sing is privately in an
empty room where the sound echoes off the walls and fills the room
with praise. I imagine the echo as God’s voice multiplying my own
worship. It reminds me of Zeph 3:17: “The LORD your God is with
you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he
will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
For me, this is the beginning of worship. From there, I walk with
the Lord, delighting in His presence, and worshipping His being.
Cyndie Hamley
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