I wonder how many of us at one time or another have secretly
held the view that God must have a pretty big ego to want and desire our praise
on a regular basis. Exultations from
scripture abound, yet incorrect interpretations and misplaced application can
lead us to having a pretty warped view of God. The truth is God is never
insecure. He does not need constant assurance
from us that he is glorious, great and all-powerful as mere lip service to
encourage himself. God does not have an inferiority complex. He is worthy of
praise because…. he is worthy.
Though rightfully we proclaim that he is majestic and mighty;
awesome and holy, the origins of new covenant worship begin from a place of
understanding his sacrifice on our behalf and his rising again from the dead
that we might live. Put simply: He gives and we respond. Our worship is a call to enjoy the outflow of
this relationship of love.
When we really like someone we want to spend time with them;
conversely, it’s hard to get close to someone if we feel they don’t like
us. Recognition of God’s heart towards
us is central to a true understanding of worship. We are loved unconditionally;
no strings attached. It’s not because
of an insecure ego that God calls us to himself, but out of His desire for us
to discover His affection for us again and again.
As we worship we step into our eternal identity. All through
scripture God has been looking for people and individuals to ‘declare His praise as a royal priesthood’ (1 Peter2:9). As worship starts to rise we begin to
align and recalibrate our self-absorbed selves and live as we were created to:
giving thanks to God and proclaiming his worth to all creation.
Acknowledging and recognising are the keys to unlocking the
true power of worship. From a place of
awe and gratitude we begin to participate with God in His great plan to bring
all things under the subjection of His Son.
Spiritual warfare is the confession of the name of Jesus, who is higher
than any other. His Spirit is seen to be
visible among us for God truly ‘inhabits
the praises of His people’.
Prophetic ‘now’ words from God are released in our midst.
Though doubts and challenges come to all of our lives, still
we are encouraged that our God is on the throne, His will shall be fulfilled
and His kingdom will be advanced. I know,
as I choose to declare this truth so my eyes are opened just a little bit
further, in spite of my circumstances, to walk in the good of what that really
means.
As individuals and ‘church’ we have opportunity to engage
with God by giving Him our full attention; dwelling in His presence; participating
in His purposes… this is why we are called to worship