Day 20 — Woven In Worship
One of the things I love most about gathered church, is singing and celebrating together. The excitement of seeing everyone and the joy of being in God’s presence together is very special. It inspires me and encourages me in my faith. And so over the last few weeks, not being able to worship together has been hard. It’s made me think a lot about how we grow in worship.
As we draw to the end of another week, here are two things for us to chew over (there’s so much more I’d love to share - but let’s start with two ideas):
1. Expect More
Revelation 1:10 —
‘On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet ...’
The Apostle John, who was in exile on the island of Patmos, was painfully aware of the suffering and persecution the church he so loved was facing. In fact legend has it that he was boiled in oil before being left alone on Patmos. Without his church family, John still kept up the rhythm of worshipping God in the Spirit. One day, as he is doing this, God shows up in the most remarkable way. John has the revelation of the all-powerful, all-conquering Christ that has given courage and strength to the people of God for two millennia.
I’m not sure what John was expecting as he quietly began to worship on his own ... but what took place was extraordinary. God is still longing to bring revelation and to meet with us today.
2. Consider More
Job 37:14 —
‘... stop and consider God’s wonders.’
We worship with our minds and souls. The more we stop to consider who God is and all that he has done for us, the more our hearts will soar in thanksgiving and worship. I love what A.W. Tozer writes, that, ‘What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.’
If we want to find peace, joy, hope and life, then the key to this is our understanding of Jesus. If we want to know God more closely, then it’s worth taking time to reflect on his character and nature.
The Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1 that it’s in view of God’s mercy that we respond by offering our bodies as a sacrifice of worship. In this window of time, let’s use it well to fill our minds with the beauty and wonder of Jesus.
I’m reminded of the words a friend of mine Ken Costa spoke over our church: that we’d be ‘woven in worship.’ I believe as we spend time daily with God, even if just for a short few moments, with an attitude of expectancy and a desire to consider God’s wonders, we’ll experience God’s transforming power at work in our lives.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, flood our imagination with an awe-inspiring view of you in all your glory. Inspire us with your love and awaken an all-consuming response of praise and worship. Amen.
Tim Hughes