Sunday, April 6, 2014

What is TRUE Praise & Worship

I know that going to church on Sundays or whatever day of the week we choose to attend, and "singing" songs corporately is not really "true praise & worship".  Lately it seems I am the only person that feels this way.  I see worship as more than a " lifestyle"; I see it as a commitment.  To me it is a commitment to let go of my inhibitions around others (no matter what the circumstances) and really lose myself in The ONE who gave Himself for me.

It isn't singing the right song, with the right note, accompanied by the right instruments.  It is making a joyful noise out of the mess of my life, my marriage, my family, my hopes, my dreams, my wants, & my desires in order to let go and receive all He wants me to be.

I am praising the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob.  I am praising the God who is YHWH.  I am praising the One who is I Am.  I Am praising the One who rose from the tomb.  I am praising the One who revealed himself to the woman at the well.  I am praising the One who inadvertently healed the woman with the issue of blood.  I am praising the One who cast out demons, hung out with sinners, called ordinary & sinful men to follow Him.  I am praising the One who lifted me out of a life of sin & shame to ordain me for a greater purpose and make me His own.

I am praising the One who saw something in me and still sees more in me worth saving each & everyday.  I am praising the One who tells me EVERY morning how much He loves me & NEVER fails to tell me how much he cares every night before I sleep.

"Love so amazing, love so amazing. Jesus Messiah, name above all names.  Blessed Redeemer, Emanuel.  The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven.  Jesus Messiah, Lord of all." (Written by Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves)

I know He doesn't just want me to sing a song just because it's the 'right' thing to do. He wants me to bare my soul, forget my worries & truly enter His gates with thanksgiving & go into His courts with praise.

"On your feet now—applaud God!  Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.  Know this: God is God, and God, God.  He made us; we didn't make him. We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.  Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise.  Thank him. Worship him.  For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever." Psalm 100:1-5 The MSG

"Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!  Worship the Lord with gladness.  Come before him, singing with joy.  Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his.  We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good.  His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Psalm 100:1-5 NLT

Think about it.  If someone gave you a personal gift that changed your life forever, would you behave nonchalantly every time you saw them or would you sing their praises to everyone you came in contact with?  I have a feeling you would not be able to keep what they did for you a secret.

Let Psalm 100 fully sink into your spirit & you will no longer just be in 'Corporate Compliance' on Sunday mornings, but you will fully understand what it means to 'truly' praise & worship Him.