WHY WORSHIP?
- Key Verse
“My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the Lord.” (Psalm 26:12)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
This verse ends the passage and the psalm; therefore, it is a very important verse. It speaks to me about the importance of praising God—more specifically, the importance of praising the Lord “in the great assembly.”
Reflections
Go ahead and read today’s passage again…it’s okay, it won’t take long! Think about what you are reading and what it means for you.
So much of this passage seems to jump out at me. I find myself relating so well to verse 12.
This year, I left home for the first time to attend a university. With this change came lots of new responsibilities—including finding a church all by myself. Often after visiting a new church, I would get discouraged and wonder if it was really so important to jump into a church body. Surely I can worship God faithfully on my own.
In fact, God does expect worship through our lifestyle, on a day-to-day basis. But community in the “great assembly” is crucial. We are stimulated to grow by surrounding ourselves with people intent on worshiping the same God. Being around others who are focused on Christ helps us as individuals to keep ourselves on the right path in this crazy world. It is also an encouragement to others when we share our praises.
Our verse for today says “my feet stand on level ground.” It appears that this is meant to be a reason for praising God. Worship is hard-wired into human beings; we will worship something, always, because it is a part of our nature. That, in itself, is a compelling reason to join in worship of God. He is the only One worthy of such adoration. But we also praise Him because we are thankful for His faithfulness and blessings.
Abilene Christian University makes a point of having chapel every weekday. What a blessing and joy it is to have the opportunity to worship corporately every day! This experience reinforces for me the encouragement that is to be found in consistently praising God, together with His children.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you committed to praising God in the assembly?
2. How have you contributed recently to spiritual growth within the church community of which you are a part (if the answer is “I don’t know,” what are some ways to get involved?)?
3. Why do you, personally, believe that praising God in community is important/beneficial ?
4. Are you worshiping the right One?
Mason Matuté
February 3, 2010 06:21 PM
But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; Redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on a level place; In the congregations I shall bless the LORD. ~Psalm 26:11-12 (NASB) For me, this grace being discussed in verse 11 is the fuel of my desire to worship. In fact, apart from the redemption of God in Christ, I would still be cut off from the glory of God, and were it not for His saving grace, I would be yet blind to His majesty. Meditating on the person of God and reflecting on the work of His hands--these are what most often give me pause in wonder and drive me to my knees in worship.
Terry Melle
February 5, 2010 05:19 AM
Re # 3, God called his people to corporate worship - having the early scriptures read publicly to thousands gathered. It pleased him to be publicly praised then and he gives us vivid images of grand public worship in the Book of The Revelation. It is good for the soul.
Chip Smith
February 5, 2010 06:51 AM
Good morning Krystal: Your statement: "Worship is hard-wired into human beings, we will worship something..." is very profound. When I meet someone new and get down to what their lives are wrapped around, I find their idol. It could be their kids, their job, their favorite sport, even school. Of course, I am talking about non-believers or am I. Your log today has caused me to take an inventory of my time, spending, and devotion to see if there are any idols that have taken the place of worshiping the One True God and to examine my attitude towards corporate worship. Really great log this morning. Thanks.
David Redding
February 5, 2010 10:13 AM
Krystal, excellent devotional. I experienced the same feeling when I went off to college and believe that corporate worship is critical. How can we be the body of Christ all by ourselves? As I stood and worshiped at the Verge conference last night - with believers from other churches and other cities around the country, it was so clear to me how big the "body" really is, but also how important every single person is to the completion of the body. Too big a concept for this Aggie to wrap his brain around, but it was really cool last night! Blessings!
Rob White
February 11, 2010 01:07 PM
Krystal, What a great devotional. Thanks for taking the time to write it. In fact, I forwarded it to a "co-worker" who does not feel that he needs to meet together with other believers at this stage of his life. I hope that you are enjoying college. Rob