Day 4: WORSHIP—Are You up for a New Perspective?
'Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.’—Psalm 100:2 (NIV)
('tWorship the Lord with gladness'—Psalm 100:2): Worship—Photo by NC-Mineral on Unsplash
Blog #006
Sacrifice
We notice in this verse that to truly worship and give thanks to God requires sacrifice.
In difficult times it is often the last thing we want to do, but its during the tough times that God promises to show us His salvation as we are thankful.
No one really likes challenges in life. If we are truly honest we would love to have a life without detours and unexpected events. Yet God allows these things to happen in order to change us into the people He desires us to be.
Example
Our reactions to challenging times may be the only expression of God that people around us will ever see. Be a godly example that attracts people to Jesus.
Our reactions to challenging times may be the only expression of God that people around us will ever see. [Quote or Tweet]
Transformation and healing
Transformation and healing come from God. Be willing to stay in God's presence so He can show us how to change. Someone has said we tend to rush in and out of God's presence with our bouquets of flowers hoping God will be happy with us. God says - "I want you and not the flowers". He wants us to stay and wants to help us in the tough times.
Psalm 3:3 'But you, O Lord, are a shield around me. You are my glory, the One who holds my head high.'
A new perspective
When I allow God to hold my head high I have a new perspective of Him. [Tweet this] In the midst of trying times - lifting my head I see a God of love, a God who has a great purpose for my life, a God who cares, a God who has all things in control.
Lifting my head high enables me to worship God—focus on God and His greatness.
Without lifting my head I become self absorbed and try to work things out in my own ways. I then often leave God out of my life.
Relationship
People were created to have a relationship with God. We were created to worship God. We are created to totally focus on God.
No wonder Jesus, in John 3, told Nicodemus that he had to be "born again". To be like a baby, a child who was totally dependant on his parents.
Being spiritually born again we are to be totally dependant upon God. We show our dependence through obedience and worship.
A clean heart
Psalm 96:9 (NASB) 'Worship the LORD in holy attire'—As I come to worship God I need to come with a heart that is clean so I can totally communicate with my God.
Today’s call to action?
How do you choose to worship God today?
When you change focus and lift your head , hat do you see? Apply your new focus to your life today.
Join in the conversation
How do you relate to what Christine has shared today. Why not leave a comment below.
Day 4—How are you tracking? What has been you greatest victory so far?
What has been your greatest disappointment(s)?
