The Word Leads to Worship
I have been enjoying sharing with you during times of Worship on the Weekends via Periscope. Recently I shared how we can rely on the Word of God to lead us to a place of worship, even when we may not necessarily feel like engaging in worship. There will be days all of us experience this from time to time, where we may not have an emotional response or expression that leads to feelings of worship. Give yourself permission to be completely transparent with God and let Him know how you are really feeling. We are only able to experience an authentic worship encounter with the Father when we are able to be honest with Him and ourselves.
If I could use the analogy of happy and joy, I would say that it is possible to have moments where you are not emotionally happy, and yet you still experience joy. Why? Because our relationship with God goes beyond our feelings. It is anchored in the truth of His Word. In Psalm 63:5 (ESV) we are reminded, “My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.” God’s presence is the very essence of our joy.
We worship God not based upon how we feel, but based upon what we know. We know that His Word is truth and He is our joy. On the days when you’re just not feeling like you can worship, I want to encourage you to lean on the Word of God: speak it, read it, hear it, meditate upon it! There is power in the Word of God to cause your very soul to align with His spirit.
In the times when we most feel we can’t, we must begin to confess the Word! Psalm 119:130 (ESV) says, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Putting ourselves in remembrance of God – who He is, His promises to us, and what the Bible says about worship – these are all ways we can speak life to our emotions. I have composed something just for this purpose. It is called, “Confessions of a Worshiper” and you can get your free copy whenever you subscribe to my website. This is something I personally use every day as I declare God’s Word over my own heart.
There is one more thing I’d like to share that you can do in order to combat your fickle feelings in those times your emotions are a little out of whack. Are you ready for it? It’s super deep – no, I’m kidding! Here it is: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!!! This month in particular, traditionally people tend to be more conscientious of being thankful. I decided to start a gratitude journal the first day of the month. Each day, I have reflected upon what I am thankful for and journaled about it. It has been one of the greatest things I could have ever done! When you begin to count your blessings and thank God for all that he has done, is doing, and promises to do, you can’t help but to worship Him. Gratitude has a way of melting our hearts and helping us focus our thought toward God. This is an undeniable way to find ourselves worshiping, right in the presence of God.
May the Word of God speak to you, wherever you may find yourself in this moment. No matter where you are, or how you feel, let the Word lead you to Worship. The Word of God can transform every aspect of our lives, including our emotions. Let his Word reign over all and lead you to His presence in worship.
