"Be still," God commands, "and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). Worship quiets our hearts and minds. In the stillness we know that with God on the throne, all is well.
Worship, though a vital part of the Christian walk, is not always practiced. What happens when a Christian ignores the spiritual discipline of worship?
Stephen Olford wrote, "One of the appalling evidences of immaturity in the Christian experience today is the imperfection of worship. Gordon Dahl defines it this way: 'Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship. As a result, their meanings and values are distorted. Their relationships disintegrate faster than they can keep them in repair and their lifestyles resemble a cast of characters in search of a plot" (Olford, Fresh Lessons from Former Leaders, Baker, pp. 16-17).
If we neglect the spiritual discipline of worship, we remain surface Christians. Without depth, we are easily thrown by the bumps in the road of life.
What keeps us from worship? How can we make worship more central?
Part of the problem is that we are an instant-coffee-fast-food society. We are busy and sometimes addicted to our own adrenalin. Not only is this unhealthy physically, it is also unhealthy spiritually.
Could there be a deeper reason for our lack of worship? Real worship requires a depth of confession that may make us uncomfortable. It is the pure in heart who see God (Matt. 5:8).
Once we are aware of our lack of worship, are we are ready to take the next steps to implement worship into our lives? If we begin with prayer, God will teach us how to worship Him. He desires our worship (John 4:23).
Some things that others have found helpful may also help you in the school of worship. We never graduate from that school! You may want to read a Psalm, or a hymn as you enter your time of worship.
You may even want to sing the hymn, unless you are like one man in our church who said, "I consider it my ministry never to sing audibly." Even if you are tone deaf, your songs of praise will sound sweet to the ears of God.
If you enjoy writing, you may want to write a paragraph of praise. Perhaps study the 191 times "worship" (in its different tenses) or "worshippers" is found in Scripture.
Simply being aware of God and surroundings inspires spontaneous worship, especially when we see His handiwork in nature. Great art makes the looker think of the artist. David's Psalm 145 is a beautiful example of thoughts flowing from creation to the Creator, and the heart following with praise and worship. Read it, and worship as David did.
I promise-a daily dose of worship will give you a whole new outlook on the trials (and joys!) of life. True, worship may not change your circumstances, but it will change you.
Worship, though a vital part of the Christian walk, is not always practiced. What happens when a Christian ignores the spiritual discipline of worship?
Stephen Olford wrote, "One of the appalling evidences of immaturity in the Christian experience today is the imperfection of worship. Gordon Dahl defines it this way: 'Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship. As a result, their meanings and values are distorted. Their relationships disintegrate faster than they can keep them in repair and their lifestyles resemble a cast of characters in search of a plot" (Olford, Fresh Lessons from Former Leaders, Baker, pp. 16-17).
If we neglect the spiritual discipline of worship, we remain surface Christians. Without depth, we are easily thrown by the bumps in the road of life.
What keeps us from worship? How can we make worship more central?
Part of the problem is that we are an instant-coffee-fast-food society. We are busy and sometimes addicted to our own adrenalin. Not only is this unhealthy physically, it is also unhealthy spiritually.
Could there be a deeper reason for our lack of worship? Real worship requires a depth of confession that may make us uncomfortable. It is the pure in heart who see God (Matt. 5:8).
Once we are aware of our lack of worship, are we are ready to take the next steps to implement worship into our lives? If we begin with prayer, God will teach us how to worship Him. He desires our worship (John 4:23).
Some things that others have found helpful may also help you in the school of worship. We never graduate from that school! You may want to read a Psalm, or a hymn as you enter your time of worship.
You may even want to sing the hymn, unless you are like one man in our church who said, "I consider it my ministry never to sing audibly." Even if you are tone deaf, your songs of praise will sound sweet to the ears of God.
If you enjoy writing, you may want to write a paragraph of praise. Perhaps study the 191 times "worship" (in its different tenses) or "worshippers" is found in Scripture.
Simply being aware of God and surroundings inspires spontaneous worship, especially when we see His handiwork in nature. Great art makes the looker think of the artist. David's Psalm 145 is a beautiful example of thoughts flowing from creation to the Creator, and the heart following with praise and worship. Read it, and worship as David did.
I promise-a daily dose of worship will give you a whole new outlook on the trials (and joys!) of life. True, worship may not change your circumstances, but it will change you.
© Copyright 2009 Lickley's Corners Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved
The Hub
by Donna Poole
by Donna Poole
Imagine trying to ride a bicycle if the hub of the front wheel were off center. Spokes would be different lengths, and the tire would not be round. The ride, if possible at all, would be anything but smooth.
If worship is not central, life will be anything but smooth. Worship readjusts "spokes" to the proper lengths; it gives perspective. When we worship we see things from God's view. We do not emphasize the trivial nor trivialize the essential.
If worship is not central, life will be anything but smooth. Worship readjusts "spokes" to the proper lengths; it gives perspective. When we worship we see things from God's view. We do not emphasize the trivial nor trivialize the essential.
