In any of the relationships in which we currently participate, where is the happiness? Where is the mutual understanding of how we feel about one another? Are we certain where we stand in their lives – are they certain where they stand in our life???
Do we go days, weeks, even months without telling them how we feel, or letting them know they are appreciated, even desired? Would we admit that WE feel better ourselves, and about our relationships, when we’re letting others know those things?
Praise of others is a mighty weapon against all the things that happen in our lives that cause bad thoughts and feelings. We have already reminded ourselves over and over that the relationship has value, and that person, or those people, are a blessing. It keeps our focus realistic, rather than skewing totally to the negative.
As we are created in the Image of God, doesn’t it make perfect sense that our relationship with God becomes more vibrant, more fulfilling, more sustainable in hard times if we are purposefully taking time to express our love, our desire – even need, and our commitment to Christ? We sometimes behave as if worship is only to God, instead of being a way of expressing the beautiful nature of our relationship with someone who has not just created us, but given all to sustain our willing association.
But, maybe we thought that worship was just singing songs on Sunday? How would a marriage work out if there was just one day a week where we expressed appreciation toward one another, then put off any positive communication until the next week, only focusing on a “honey do list” the rest of the time?
I know, we are busy people. But that excuse doesn’t really work if you have hopes of sustaining any relationship for the long-term benefit of yourself, and others. This is common knowledge, but it is also commonly disregarded. Thus, the creation of a “date night” for married folk, to keep the candle of love and relationship burning.
It is so cool – so interesting – that the words on either side of “worship” in the Old Testament (Strong’s #H7812 “shachah”), alphabetically and by Strong’s number mean to donate or reward, or to swim – to inundate oneself in a pool of water. How perfect is that? In the New Testament, #G4352 “proskyneo” has the sense of kissing the hand in reverence, or kneeling, among others.
I remember many years ago in Louisiana where I was stationed in the Air Force, I was involved in a car accident without injury, but it certainly scared the bejabbers out of me! People quickly gathered as we got out of the car, still shaken. I boldly walked up to a young man who was excited to help us out and threw myself into his arms for comfort. I really needed a hug, and I needed to express my deep gratitude to all of them for coming to our aid so quickly and selflessly. He understood, and hugged me back, and then I was at peace. As I recall, we were back on the road quickly and on time for the movie! I never saw them again, but I will always remember their sacrifice, and the help they gave us.
It’s like that for us with God. Whether we sing, or speak, or raise our hands to heaven, or just sit quietly in the splendor of God’s Presence, we’re building on our relationship with Christ, and no one can take that away from us. It gives us peace when things aren’t going well, and it gives us joy when we get to share the good times.
The Psalms speak of worship in several different ways, letting us know that there is more than a single way to show God how we feel, and many things to communicate to God. (For an off-key singer like me, that in itself is good news.) If unsure how to get started, try reading out loud from the Psalms for inspiration, then just keep on going, telling God your own personal feelings and thoughts from there.
Let’s try a few from the Psalms together, then just go to your Blue Letter Bible App and look up the word “worship” on your own if you need more guidance.
Ps 95:1-7 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
Because the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
Ps 96:8-10 Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come into His courts.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns” NKJV
Once you get started, there are so many reasons to worship, time flies. But, if we ever hit a place where we’re overwhelmed, either by hard circumstances, or just the incredible feeling of God’s Presence, remember Holy Spirit knows everything you’re feeling, and is there to help us pray. It doesn’t have to sound perfect.
Ro 8:26-29 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. NLT
Let’s worship God purposefully, just like we make efforts to maintain our other relationships, so they don’t falter. There is no better way to enjoy closeness with the Majesty of our Creator.
Blessings!
Leaona Huston
December 29, 2021
