Gladness and Joy

 Psalm 100:2  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 

            It is no accident that our worship is often referred to as worship “service” for that is what we are called to do. Service to our Lord is to worship with gladness of heart. In Paul’s letter to the Romans he describes presenting ourselves in worship as the first response we owe our Heavenly Father.

Romans 12:1  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

            Often when we think of our local worship service, we focus more on the logistics of the service and the order of worship. (e.g., Should we sing the anthem before or after the scripture reading? Should we have prayer before or after the second hymn?) You get the idea, which is why most services offer a bulletin of some type to help with the flow of the service.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the cosmetic appearances of the service that we overlook the purpose. I am reminded of a quote from A.W. Tozer, “Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us.”

            This morning I want us to focus on the true reason for worship. It is to glorify to our Heavenly Father and recognize his holiness. Everything we think, or say, or sing, or do should bring honor to His Name and direct others to Him. It is not about entertaining ourselves or having the correct placement for each activity; it is about offering ourselves to Him. Recognizing God as Holy, Divine, Supreme, Creator, and Redeemer is our purpose for worship. Proper focus brings gladness and joy to the act of worship.

Psalm 29:2  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we get so wrapped up in the activity of our worship service that we neglect service to you in worship. Adjust our focus to you alone. We come to you in gladness and joy.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

The devotional Gladness and Joy appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com