August 17, 2018
Psalm 34:9-14 Living Bible (TLB)
Yesterday, I shared a bit about what comes together for a strong corporate worship opportunity. Today, I want to share about the heart of worship. How do you view the heart of worship? In our passage from the Living Bible, the psalmist uses the descriptive word “reverence” in approaching God. In other translations the word “fear” is used instead. In the Message Bible, the word “worship” is used in connection with God. Whichever word we use, the meaning is the same. Because we belong to Christ, we are learning how to become worshipers; so, I prefer that descriptive word.
A worshiper comes to God—with a heart of worship—in spirit and in truth. That means true worship takes place on the inside—in the heart or the spirit of a person. But worship is more; it involves truth. The spirit of a person must connect with the truth of God found in Jesus Christ—the Living Word. To sum it up, authentic worship is a matter of the heart and spirit being rooted in the knowledge of and obedience to the revealed Word of God. As we worship in spirit and truth, we are acknowledging that apart from God’s Word operating in our lives we would be living a lie. How we live our lives is worship; saying “yes” to whatever God places on our hearts to do or reveals to our understanding. When we disobey and refuse to do what he places on our hearts, we live a lie and our worship lacks truth. Yet, when we live in harmony with Truth—God’s love and plan—he provides everything we need. Therefore, we live in a continual state of gratitude for his goodness which leads us into new depths of love and peace as worshipers of the Most High.
Psalm 34:9-14
9 If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.
11 Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord. 12 Do you want a long, good life? 13 Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from lying.
14 Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for causing me to become a worshiper; a daughter connected to spirit and truth. Let the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.