Revelation Day 15 - Worship Well

DAY 15
Worship Well
Psalm 34:1-9 

How can we experience God like John does in Revelation 4 and 5?

Worship! Revelation 4 and 5 is a worship service. If you want faith that goes the distance, if you want faith that stays true to Jesus, worship well. Worship well what’s worthy. Worship means gathering weekly to hear God’s Word, to eat at Christ's Table, to sing, to pray, to fellowship. Worship means turning our attention and our hearts toward God every day. Worship means celebrating God the Father through Christ the Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. Worship well what’s worthy.

In the Bible, worship is a “both/and” experience. We must worship together and we must worship when we’re alone. We must worship at set times and at random moments. We must gather in sacred places and see God’s glory in every place. Eugene Peterson’s translation of Psalm 34 captures what it looks like to worship well. “I bless God every chance I get! I live and breathe God! Worship God if you want the best!” Worship well what’s worthy.

Two warnings, though. First, the choice is not between worship or no worship. Many today see worship as yesterday’s leftovers that’s lived on well past its expiration date. Everyone worships something because everyone, religious or not, treats something as the Ulimate thing in their life.

Second, visions and experiences like John’s are God’s decision. God gives them when God wants. Don’t expect mystical experiences every time you pray. Don’t expect warm fuzzies every time you sing. Your faith is in God, not experiences or warm fuzzies. Your relationship is with this Divine person, not with the stuff they give you. But worship well what’s worthy and God will surprise you with profound moments of his presence.

Don’t settle for second best. Worship well what’s worthy.

REFLECT
On a scale of 1-10 (1 = terrible, 10 = never been better), how healthy is your habit of worship?

What one step could you take to improve it?

PRAY
My lungs expand with your praise, God! I live and breathe you! I’m open wide to taste and see that you really are good. I want the best, so I worship you. Nothing beats you! Yes! Amen!