The Why for Worship

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His Name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. – (Psalm 29:2, NIV)

Praise the Lord and honor His Name! Worship the Lord in all His holy beauty. – (Psalm 29:2, ERV)

Honor the Lord for the glory of His Name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. – (Psalm 29:2, NLT)

 

On Sunday, our worship pastor, Kristi, spoke on one of our foundational beliefs, as she concluded our current Sunday series, “DNA” (the core beliefs that define who we are). Her message was packed with purpose and the biblical evidence as to why worship matters. One of the most important reasons that we worship God is because He is worthy. For me, Psalm 29:2 is two-fold in how it is phrased. First, it reminds us that we are to praise God because He deserves our worship. Second, David speaks of the splendor of God’s holiness; His holy beauty. I don’t know about you, but for me, there are certain things that I do that remind me of His beauty and holiness far better than others. That was another point mentioned on Sunday, as worship can take place whenever, wherever, and however we are drawn into His presence. Sometimes, it is on a long run outside, as I admire the beauty of creation all around me and appreciate a strong and healthy body that is able to participate in an activity that some are unable to do. At other times, it is while I am driving my car, listening to and singing along with worship music. As I go, God brings to mind His goodness and the blessings He has betrothed unto me. Still other times, there is worship in the intentional gathering together with fellow believers on a Sunday morning to praise Him corporately. This too, this intentional time each morning to spend time in His word and record what He is speaking to my heart, is also an act of worship. May we each continue into this week with a heart to worship, finding ways to turn our attention to God and honor Him for who He is, in the splendor of His holiness.

 

Ascribe to the Lord,

Glory due His Name;

He alone is worthy,

All praise we proclaim.

The splendor of God,

Holiness indeed;

Who sees and hears us,

Cares about our need.

Because the Lord loves,

In infinite ways;

May we seek honor,

With our lives, give praise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and kindness and grace. Thank You that You alone are worthy of all of our worship and praise. Thank You for making the beauty of Your holiness tangible through all that You have created, so that we would begin to understand our countless reasons to worship You. Forgive us for neglecting to give glory and honor where it is due, as all praise and worship belong to You alone. Teach us to be intentional in our worship, and to recognize how we can honor You in ways that You have created us to be. Show us how to love others well, so that they too may see Your heart in the blessings they behold. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to worship You and the splendor of Your holiness in all that we do by giving our best, unto You. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. – Hebrews 12:28

Teach Me to Seek

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on a firm footing. – (Psalm 143:10, NLT)

Teach me to do what pleases You, because You are my God. Guide me by Your good Spirit into good land. – (Psalm 143:10, CEB)

 

We need to be taught in order to know the way in which we are meant to go. To learn, we must seek. God is gracious, as He is ever available and waiting to teach us what we need to know. As we seek Him, He reveals His heart and His will for us individually and corporately. May we choose to seek the Lord with our whole heart, so that we might know what is pleasing unto Him, and which direction we are meant to go. Lead us Lord, on the path of light and life.

 

For as we seek God,Refreshment Through Repentance

His will is made known;

He’s quick to teach us,

Firm footing is shown.

The Lord lights the way,

That we’re meant to go;

Led by His Spirit,

Obstacles made low.

He opens a path,

For our feet to tread;

As long as we seek,

By Him we’ll be led.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You teach us Your will and that You claim us as Your own. Thank You that You lead us by Your Spirit and show us where we are meant to go, if we seek You to lead us. Forgive us for not seeking. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek Your will and Your way in all things and at all times. Show us the path that keeps us in step with Your plan for us. Empower us to love others well, just as You so generously and graciously love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and Your will for our lives, so that we might do what pleases You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you.” – Exodus 33:19