We were created to worship. If we do not worship God then we have forfeited our reason for existence. Too often, we have mistaken praise for worship (or vice versa). Worship is a spiritual response. It is something that happens inwardly. That is why we speak of the heart of worship. Praise, on the other hand, is a physical response that is a result of what is happening inwardly. Praise is something you see and hear. Why am I saying all of that? Keep reading...
The book of Lamentations was written under deep distress. Thus the title: Lamentations. Jeremiah is lamenting the death and destruction around him. However, in the midst of this five-poem dirge comes a statement that is hard to comprehend if you do not understand the "heart" of worship. In Lamentations 3:22-23 he says, "Through the LORDS's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; GREAT is Your faithfulness."
Great is the faithfulness of God even when I don't understand the situation I am in.
Great is the faithfulness of God even when I am not experiencing joy.
Great is the faithfulness of God even when problems have come against me.
Great is the faithfulness of God because He is always faithful!!!
Notice how Jeremiah states this faithfulness:
God's Compassion Does Not Fail!
His Mercy is New Every Morning!
Do we understand the faithfulness of God in this way?
I don't think we can ever understand true worship unless we can worship in the most difficult of circumstances. Jeremiah knew His God. He understood His heart. He had experienced the mercy and compassion. He had been warning Israel of what was about to come and they didn't listen. And although Jeremiah had to see all of this come to pass, he could still worship a faithful and compassionate God.
What has the enemy used to try to steal your praise and rob your worship? Jesus said that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. If he can disrupt your worship then you will take your praise. Don't give him that opportunity. Settle in your heart that God is good, He is faithful, and His mercies are new every morning. You may have to sing the old song: "GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS". Get it into your spirit. Then when the problems comes you can join Jeremiah and worship God because of His faithfulness.
Remember: His compassions NEVER FAIL!!!
1 comment:
As a worship leader, I'm glad you have such a good attitude about longer worship services!!! The last few months our time in worship has progressively gotten longer as we've let the Spirit work. As God inhabits the praises of His people, clocks and agendas just seem to fade away. It's funny; I've never heard anyone complain about our longer service, only relishing in the fact that they are growing closer to the Father in intimacy. "CHAINS BE BROKEN, LIVES BE HEALED, EYES BE OPENED, CHRIST IS REVEALED!"
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