Devotional – February 16, 2021

As we continue our devotional on the Case for Virtue.  I invite you to reflect on last Tuesday’s devotional topic: She Worships. We explored the nature of the Virtuous Woman in her acts of worship to her God. Today, we seek to look at the Practical Ways of Worship as we all strive to strengthen our relationship with our God. In addition to making Practical Prayers to God, Practical Worship is another spiritual principle that enhances our relationship with God. The word worship in a spiritual sense is defined as: “showing reverence and adoration for God”. The word reverence means: “having deep respect for someone”. 

Why then is it necessary to have deep respect for God. I invite you to get in front of a mirror and look at what appears before your eyes; that would be your beautiful face that is uniquely fashioned to reflect God Himself. Then take a walk out door and look up at the skies; look around at the trees; you may see a bird flying in the sky. Take a deep breath, that was air going into your lungs. All that you behold is the awesomeness of the Creator of the Universe. I hope I have made the case for worship.

In the early stage of my journey with God, I remember reading the Scripture found at: St. John 4:23.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

St. John 4:23-24

  I was not sure what the Scripture meant and sought the Holy Spirit for clarity. It was revealed that in order to truly worship it’s important to get to know God  by having a personal and growing relationship with Him. My Quest was to know Him so that I could truly worship. The revelation I received came through the message of the Virtuous Woman..

She gets up while it is still night…

Proverbs 31:15.

Like the Virtuous Woman I would rise early in the morning while the household was asleep and spend time reading the Bible, prayed and praised God with songs and hymns. During this time, when it was quiet I could commune with God and hear His still small voice speak to me tenderly. The relationship I shared with God blossomed to the point where worship became a lifestyle – I had so much to be thankful for. I had a genuine respect and adoration for God Who proves His love to me continually.

I learned to invite God’s Presence in everything that I do and give Him thanks for all things. Therefore worshipping God was not only in my time of meditation, but all throughout the day. You may ask, is this possible? Yes it sure is, and it works. During the earlier days of my walk with God, I practiced to invite God in everything that I did, in doing so it invokes His  presence and stimulates worship. The Scriptures teach:

In everything give thanks for it is the Will of God concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Here are some ways I enjoy Practical Worship:

• When washing the dishes I give thanks for my hands and the water; even for the dishes.
• When I am cooking I  give Him thanks for providing the ingredients and  I ask the Holy Spirit for guidance throughout the preparation.
• When I am going shopping I ask for direction where to go, and even what to purchase.
• When making any decision  I seek counsel from the  Lord.

As I grew in the knowledge of God I have come to fear Him, not to be afraid  of Him, but to love, honour and respect Him. I appreciate the practical acts of worship as I feel a deep sense of peace when I show reverence to God; worship is second nature for me and has become a lifestyle. I strive to make everything I do and say bring honour God  in keeping with Scripture.

Whatever you do in words or deeds do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17

Let us all make worship an action that we do naturally.

Oh come, let us worship, and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God and we are the sheep of His hand.

Psalm 95:6-7

Let us take the time to see the many blessings that surround us and express gratitude to the Lord our God Who is so kind to bless us with all that we are able to enjoy.

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