A SPIRIT OF PRAISE

“True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” JOHN 4:23

During worship services and in your own quiet times with the Father, do you connect with Him? Do you sense His nearness? Perhaps you see people exalting God, but what they appear to feel escapes you. You wonder if you can truly have that deeply personal experience of His presence and love.

But understand that worship is a spiritual matter. Just as you can acquire facts about God without truly knowing Him, you can likewise go through the motions of adoring Him and never really bring Him glory.

Genuine praise comes from a heart submitted to the Father—you cannot work it up. In fact, Paul precedes the command “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19) with “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). In other words, praise flows from those who are Spirit-filled. You must allow God to have control.

Friend, if you desire to truly worship, don’t try to work it up. Yield yourself to God. Celebrate Him with your life. Undoubtedly, the praises will flow.

Lord, show me how to genuinely worship You. I give You my life—show me Your glory, amen.

In His presence . . . exalt Him with all that’s within you.

Stanley, Dr. Charles F. (2014-11-11). Every Day in His Presence (p. 345).