“How To” and the Benefits…

“All of my life in every season you are still God

I have a reason to sing I have a reason to worship.

~Author Unknown

Scripture:

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,

and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

~Psalm 7:17

Perspective:

Last week we learned about why we praise and worship God, despite the state of our world.  This week let’s learn how to praise and worship God.  This can be done in numerous ways and it can and should be done alone and in fellowship with others.  Prayer is one way to praise and worship God.  Some shy away from regular prayer, nervous that they will do it incorrectly.  Jesus gives us an example of how to pray when He says the Lord’s Prayer, beginning with, “Pray then like this: Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be they name (Matthew 6:9).  He does not say to recite that prayer but rather to use it as an example.  I always start by thanking God for everything, I even thank Him daily for dying on the cross for my salvation and for loving, accepting, and forgiving me for the asking.  I also thank Him for my challenges because they have allowed me to grow and become stronger, they have a purpose.  It is in our trials, that take us out of our comfort zone, where we grow.  I thank Him for all that I have that can be so easily taken for granted in the midst of our busy vexing and tiresome days.  Thanksgiving should be part of our daily prayer routine.  It is hard to comprehend how blessed we truly are, however, we just do not know all the bad things God protects us from each day and all the work He is doing “behind the scenes” to work all things for our good, including our mistakes!  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).  Often when there is a change for the worse, such as a health or financial crisis, it is then that we can clearly see how blessed we were and how quickly things can change.  It is in talking and listening to God that we develop a close relationship with Him, where we learn to trust and lean on Him.  Always include time to just listen.      

Song, whether listening or singing, is another way to praise and worship God.  Since 2016 when we had our financial crisis, I seem to always be led to a contemporary Christian song as my theme, one that seems to say and remind me of exactly what I need to hear in that season.  It started with “I Surrender,” by Hillsong Worship, which is exactly what I needed to do in that difficult season!  It guided and even inspired me as I worked to surrender my false control and trying situation over to God.  The right song for the right season just seems to come to me when I need it most, because I am open to it.  Currently, it is “Spirit Lead Me,” by Influence Music.  Singing my favorite songs, or even my present “theme song” over and over, really inspires me, gives me hope, and allows me to feel closer to God.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).

Giving to and serving others is another way we praise and worship God.  God expects us to care for those less fortunate than us.  Doing so helps them and it helps those who do it, it takes our mind off our self and allows us to see that everyone is struggling with something, some more than others at any given moment.  And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).  God expects us to serve others, just as He did while He walked among humanity loving everyone, despite their sins, and teaching us how to follow His Father during our time on this earth.  If you read Matthew 25: 31-46, you will see that if we are in any way able to, He expects us to feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, and visit those who are sick or in prison.  We all have time to do for others, the real question is whether it is a priority…  

Lastly, enjoying our life, all that is good and beautiful around us, also demonstrates praise and worship toward God.  He did not give us life and all the gifts that come with this life for us to scowl and complain, seeing only what is wrong around us and in other people.  I came so that you may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).  Happiness, peace, joy, and gratitude are all a choice.  In any given situation we have the choice to accept things as they are or make positive changes, so they become better than they currently are one step at a time.  We must never overlook or forget the power free-will gives us; we have choices to make every single day that lead our life in various directions.  If you do not like the life you are living right now, begin to make different choices!  Doing so happens one choice, one step, and one day at a time.

The results of praise and worship are…

• Developing a strong relationship with Jesus!  This relationship is the core of Christianity; it is through this relationship that every good thing flows.  Praise and worship brings and then keeps us close to God, without doing so it is easy for anyone to unintentionally drift.  Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord ,” will enter the kingdom of heaven…And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matthew 7:21-23).

• Small victories on the unknown and challenging life path as He works all circumstances for our ultimate good and His glory.  There will be trials but there will also be blessings and ease.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17). 

• The feeling of true peace and joy…despite life’s hardships.  You CAN feel those things, even in the middle of life’s chaos!  As with anything God gives us, we must believe it, we must have faith to truly see and receive His many gifts.  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11).

• A feeling of safety and security regardless what life throws at or takes away from us, knowing God has already won the greatest battle and in doing so, gave us the opportunity to spend eternity with Him in paradise.    If you look back on your life, you have survived all your past trials!  However, growing and thriving through them is a choice we must make.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

• The knowledge that we are never alone, that He sees and knows all and still loves, accepts, and forgives us for the asking.  The more we seek God, the more we see Him in our life!  And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6).  The true rewards of Christianity come from a strong faith in and relationship with the Lord.  God asks us to step out in faith before He steps out to meet us.

Life Applications:

>Evaluate your faith and relationship with your Creator and Savior.  What do you do to build a relationship with the Lord?  What do you do to know God?  When you are struggling with anything in this life, do you go to the One who controls all or do you reach out to other people?  If you find your faith is not as strong as you thought it was, ask God to help you with that, no feat is too great or too small for God.  Ask Him to spark and grow your faith in all circumstances.  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

>>Commit to trying something for today, for this month…pray it, don’t say it.  Do not run to a friend, complain, or nag, in an effort to feel a sense of false control.  Instead, pray and give God the chance to work on the things that are out of your control, then wait in patient faith.  Just give it a chance and see what happens!  Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).

>>>Work to create a prayer streak and to read at least one verse from the Bible each day.  The Bible allows you to really get to know God and what He expects from you.  The YouVersion Bible App. will not only give you guidance in doing so but will also keep track of your streak for you!  It is free and available to all.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6).