Finding Joy in Worship
Some of my greatest moments of joy come from worshipping regularly with God’s people right here in my home church. I am often struck by the thought, early in the time of worship, perhaps in a song, a prayer, or a word of Scripture— “Yes, this is the truth, this is what is real, this is what I believe deep down in my soul.” I am moved by the music, touched by a prayer, exhorted by the Scripture, surprised again by the gospel, met by Christ at the Lord’s Table. And once again, joy floods my heart.
There are many voices in our culture calling for our attention, with claims of what is important in life. We need to come aside often, with God’s people, to give attention to God’s voice, to be reminded of what is real, what is the truth. And as we come together for worship we have the opportunity to hear the voice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. “My sheep will listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” To hear that voice is pure joy. His voice is true and caring and strong. “No one can snatch them out of my hand.”
As we come together this Sunday for joyful worship, may we be reassured and strengthened in our faith, in what we believe and know to be the truth. We might enter with sagging spirits, with withering faith. But in joyful worship, our hearts are lifted, our doubts and fears are quieted. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Joyful worship awakens our senses, energizes our mind and body. We come to experience the presence of the living God.
As Christians, we believe that worship is our highest calling, our greatest expression of faith, as we “ascribe to the Lord the glory that is due his name.” In doing so, we are lifted up to the highest level of what it means to be human. This is what we were made for. We will never do a more noble act than lifting our hearts to worship God in spirit and in truth. And therefore, worship is also our supreme joy. It is immensely liberating to express our joy in thanksgiving, praise, and adoration, with music and singing, to the living God.
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