Updated: Apr 14, 2021
Family gatherings, are a time to catch up and spend time with one another. The echo of laughter ring aloud in the atmosphere and the spirit of togetherness fills the air. Along with the contagious giggles spread throughout the room. My love ones enjoy listening and dancing to music. Everyone from young and old take a spin on the dance floor. It doesn't matter if you know how to or not. You show your best moves at that moment. Cheers of encouragement from the sideline is motivation. There's a sense of freedom because love is the backdrop. Love sets the tone. The beauty is that God displays this sentiment in our daily lives. He freely gave His Son, Jesus to die for our sins. This act is the ultimate demonstration of how the Savior feels about us. He carried it all to the cross. Therefore, as believers we are to praise and worship Christ.
The bible speaks of King David, who was described as a man after God's own heart as stated in 1 Samuel 13:14. The significance of David is that he was imperfect just as we are. He didn't always show his adoration for the Savior in the decisions he made. He found himself outside of the will of God at times. Yet, he had the mind to praise and worship God. The word speaks of a time when King David danced shamelessly before the Lord with all his might. 2 Samuel 6:15-15. He knew he had to go before him just as he was. The bible says, that those who worship God must do it in spirit and truth. John 4:23-24. This means it can't be faked and the spirit within is uncovered. We have to go before Him just as we are and there is no pretending. Your true self is revealed and your relationship with God is discovered. Anyone can praise but not everyone can worship. Worship is reserved for God alone. When you go before for God you have focus on Him only, in all of His fullness. He deserves the the praise and glory. Therefore, a shift has to take place in our thought process. Our thoughts dictates how we move and respond. It is imperative that we take control of what we think because it becomes what settles in our heart. If it settles then it has the power to transform and shape our character. Philippians 2:5, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." The believer attitude to God should resemble Jesus's. Christ was on a mission and He lived His life in obedience to the Lord. He didn't allow anything or anyone to deter Him from His purpose. We all were created for purpose. We can't wither under the pressures of this world or succumb to our flesh. The amazing thing is God knew we wouldn't always get it right. Therefore, he sent Jesus as the sacrificial lamb for us. It is essential that we give reverence to Him.
The word of God tell us to praise and worship our Lord and Savior. There is a difference between praise and worship. Praise is something we can do outwardly to show appreciation for what He has done or what we know He can do. Worship is an inward revelation of our spirit. It's who we are at our core. It is a lifestyle. Everything done is in glory to God and is an act of our devotion. It's the heart submitting and surrendering to His power and will. Things began to change and happen when we surrender. We no longer have to walk around and cover ourselves with shame because in Him there is liberty. We live in freedom through prayer, studying the word, and daily application. As children, we become spiritually vulnerable and sensitive to the voice of God. Then we can heed to His correction and direction.
Soulful Gem: Praise is something we do outwardly and worship is who we are inwardly. Worship reveals our heart and can't be faked.
Prayer: Our Father, I thank you for the grace you have granted me. God I ask you change my heart. I pray it is open to your correction and direction. I am imperfect and flawed. I need you to take control of my thoughts because it affect and infect whats in my heart. Lord, I desire to live my life in worship of you and I know it starts with my inner man. I stand before you shamelessly uncovered. Strengthen and deliver me from me. I am grateful for all you have done and simply because of who you are. Lord, keep me and protect me. I ask it all in Jesus Name. Amen.
