Step 3 - Experience the Joy of Worship

Do you know anyone who worships idols? Even in our modern, sophisticated society, people choose to worship idols. Now, granted, those things may be fame or fortune, power or popularity, or even good things like family and friends. All the same, God alone is worthy of our worship (Exodus 20:3-4). Even for the Christian, there is always the temptation to engage in idol worship which can never satisfy. But, oh my friend, what joy for those who worship the living Lord God!
So, how do you experience joy? First, we experience the joy of worship when we prepare our hearts to encounter God. If you were going to meet someone famous, think of the great lengths to which you would go to be ready. How much more, then, should we prepare ourselves to meet the Creator of the Universe! King David wanted to be ready: "Give unto the Lord the glory due his name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" (Psalm 29:2) Will you prepare yourself to worship the King of Kings?
Second, we experience the joy of worship when we praise God for Who He is. If God had done nothing for us, He would still deserve our praise. Make this your desire for worship: "I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore" (Psalm 86:12). God inhabits our praise.
Third, we experience the joy of worship when we present ourselves for His service. You see, when we truly worship God, we respond to His call. (Read Isaiah 6:1-8). That is what Paul meant when he wrote, "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

A Word from God

Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name.--Psalm 103:1
Read a Psalm each day as part of your personal worship and Bible study time.

How to Get the Most from Worship

Participate in a Christ-honoring, Bible-believing church where you can worship regularly with other believers. If you live outside the Rocky Mount area, click here for more information on finding a Christ-honoring, Bible-believing church near you.
Read a passage from God's Word, such as one of the Psalms, to help you focus your mind on worship.
Anticipate a blessing from God. He has promised to be where even two or three are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20).
Involve yourself in worship. It is not an event for spectators. It is for participation with God and His people.
Sing! That's right, sing. It doesn't matter if you have a great voice. "Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises" (Psalm 98:4).
Express any decisions you make. Come forward as you feel led. Write down your decisions in your Bible.

Digging Deeper

Learn more about worship. Read: Exodus 15:2; II Samuel 22:47; Psalm 29:2, 119:108; Matthew 18:20; John 4:24; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 10:25, 12:28.

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