Modern Day Worship
"They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen." - Romans 1:25 (NLT)
Worship
I enjoy singing worship songs at church. The lyrics touch my heart as I raise my hands to praise my almighty King. However, sometimes I don't feel the same way. Problems often distract me, and I focus on life instead of focusing on God. Worship is not just about singing praises. True worship means loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It means valuing God above everything else. So, what causes us to lose our focus on worship?
An Example of True Worship
Chapter three of the Book of Daniel introduces us to three young men: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They are friends of Daniel. These brave young men hold on to their faith in God and continue to worship Him, even when threatened by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king made a golden image and required everyone to worship it. Disobedience meant being thrown into a fiery furnace, and unfortunately, the three friends fell into this category. Their story is an inspiration for worshiping God, even in difficult circumstances.
Modern Day Worship
Christianity emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical worship. To begin, we should reflect on God's greatness and acknowledge that He deserves our praise. Keep your mind and heart focused on God as you offer your praise. Although we may not face literal fiery furnaces, temptations to worship man-made idols surround us. These idols can include wealth, comfort, careers, and fame. If we reject these worshiping things, the world may reject or ridicule us. Despite criticism or mockery, we must remain steadfast in our faith and continue to worship our Heavenly Father.
Worship During the Hardships
Perhaps idols do not separate us from freely worshiping Christ; instead, it is our hardships that interfere with our worship of God. However, let us be encouraged, for God did not abandon the three men in the fiery furnace. He stood with them, and His presence was clear to all. This scene shows God's miraculous intervention. It teaches us that these men trusted God even without a guarantee of deliverance. Despite the possibility of perishing in the flames, they remained steadfast in their worship. In our own lives, we will also face hardships, but we can find assurance in knowing that God stands with us during these trials. As our faith deepens, we learn to worship God regardless of our circumstances.
Question for Reflection:
What things interfere with your worship?
