Years ago, I was in a worship service where everyone was singing a chorus that went like this:
I love you Lord, and I lift my voice, to worship you, oh my soul rejoice, take joy my King, in what you hear, may it be a sweet sweet sound, in your ears.
While singing, I briefly opened my eyes and looked around. I was one of many actively involved in worship. Looking around for that brief moment, I was seeing what a worship “service” looked like, but I was hit with a much bigger convicting question. What does a worshipful “lifestyle” look like? Take away the music, take away the fact that I am in a church building, and in the middle of a scheduled event…I was being hit with this probing question—does my life regularly demonstrate to God that I am worshipping Him? Do I regularly speak and think as David did when he said, “May the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart be pleasing to you Oh Lord my God.” Psalm 19:14. How often does God here my voice and look at my heart, and know that I truly love and trust Him?
I think of the story of Jesus confronting Peter with these soul-searching words, “Peter, do you love me?” Peter was quick to reply, only to hear the Lord ask him the very same question two more times. “Then feed my lambs,” the Lord replied. (see John 21:15). In essence Jesus was saying to Peter that Peters love for Jesus will have to be demonstrated in and through his everyday life—not just in that moment–but after Jesus was not physically there with Him.
I also think of the paralleled relationship of marriage. At the alter the vow is made to love, cherish, and unselfishly give to their mate…until death. Leading up to the alter, individuals most often put their best foot forward in order to convince their potential mate that they are worthy of being loved. Sweet, loving, and adoring words are exchanged. Often, love struck couples go out of their way to plan the most special, unique, and romantic proposals. Sadly however, over half of these same marriages end up in the divorce courts stating “irreconcilable differences.” All too often, we see and hear the once loving and supportive talk towards each other converted into negativity. The blame game continues until one finally says, “I just don’t love you anymore.”
Most of us truly want a good marriage, right? But honestly, can we expect our relationships to grow and flourish with love, trust, and honor when we don’t intentionally show and demonstrate those same attributes on a regular basis. Not only to each other, but about each other in the thoughts and mediations of our heart? Do we speak highly of our spouse, or do we publicly put them down (a sad trend of which our society seems to think is funny)? Some actually exploit their spouse as a matter of prayer, while they are actually pointing a finger of blame.
Both these situations: The story of Peter and troubled marriage relationships, are examples that I believe we can all relate to. The question remains however…what is truly in our hearts? When God looks at our heart, does He see and feel loved and worshipped? We often hear and repeat with well intensions, “Well, God knows our hearts.” It’s true—He does—but I also believe that sometimes we use that phrase as an excuse for situations in our lives that we simply are not willing to deal with. Choosing to bless God and be an extension of His blessings to others is a choice of worship. It’s so much more than corporately participating in a worship service. Yet, I for one constantly have to remind myself of that. How about you?
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus
Heart of Worship Lyrics/ Matt Redman
Friends, there is 0% doubt in my mind that God wants to bless us. The Bible is jam-packed with examples and promises of Gods blessings for us. I so believe this, that I personally wrote a book subtitled “Revealing the Heart of God and His Desire to Bless You.” In light of the fact that it is Gods “desire” to bless us, I’m just asking the question today of what does God see? Are our lives genuinely reflecting a heart of worship?
Be encouraged today. God never expects you to be perfect. He just wants you to give Him your heart. The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
Blessed by the Best,
Mark
See You in the River 