An Invitation to Worship
When I think of the word worship, my first thought is music. Oh, how I love music. There are so many varieties to love! To me, music is the language of the heart. The right song at the right time can change everything. Music can calm an angry spirit. It can lift a sad one. Music can get us moving in our fitness routine. It can also take us to the pit of despair. Whether it’s humming, singing, or playing an instrument–our hearts are involved. And when the words praise our Maker, our hearts sing along with our voices.
But worship isn’t only about music. It’s about the way we live. To the Romans, Paul said:
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. (Romans 12:1)
Can you remember a time when someone went out of their way to do something for you? Something that cost them a great deal. And what they did for you–you really needed.
I don’t get sick very often, but when I do–it’s a doozy. Several years ago I was in bed with the flu. One sweet friend called in the afternoon. I hadn’t told anyone I was sick. But when she learned of my state, she immediately told me she was bringing dinner. I was stunned. I shouldn’t have been, but I was. A couple of hours later, she delivered a vat of chicken and dumplings. It was the best thing I had put in my mouth in a long time. Full of flavor–and salty. My throat needed that. I’ll never forget it. Even today, I still remember its taste.
In the grand scheme of things, bringing chicken soup to a friend doesn’t compare with God’s giving His only Son to take my place on the Cross. But you know what? I needed that soup. My family needed dinner. At the last minute, when she could have been preparing dinner for her own family, she took time to prepare and deliver dinner for mine.
My heart loved her even more for that.
When we remember all God has done for us, our hearts respond with love. One way we love Him back is by how we live our lives. In Romans 12, Paul encourages us to live holy lives. Lives that honor God in how we think, what we say, and what we do. Often it is a sacrifice on our part. But it’s nothing compared to Christ’s sacrifice.
Music, one of God’s best gifts to us, is wonderful. Worshiping through music pleases God and encourages our own hearts.
But living our lives to please God is how we truly worship Him. It is our love response to Him.
Worship is our love response to God. Share on XBut because I do love music (smile) …
Worship is our love response to God! Oh my goodness I LOVE THAT! Had to tweet the moment I read it. I have found my heart is most at peace in worship. Great post thank you for sharing. Stopping by from Grace and Truth Link Up.
Awwwh … so glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting today!! Have a beautiful, worship-filled weekend! <3
Thank you, Dianne, for reminding us of the healing and encouragement that God brings in music. I have missed music in my life lately and need to hear those beautiful words.
Such a great post Dianne! When we remember what God has done for us, we love Him more. It’s an honor to be loved so sacrificiallly by daddy God.
Hi, Dianne! Thanks for guiding my thoughts into a pondering of worship today. A missionary speaker at our church on Sunday also mentioned obedience as an important part of our worship, citing Jesus as the ultimate example. I thought that was helpful for this “prone to wander” heart of mine.
Worship takes so many forms, but my favorite is also music. When I worship through music, I carry the worship into my day. It helps keep me on point for God. Joy and peace fill my heart even in tough times. After my daughter passed away, reading the Bible and attending church was hard for me (for a time), but music helped me see God and His love in the midst of grief. Thank you for these reminders that worship is sweeter than honey.