How Worship Changes Us
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Psalm 100:2
Why does the Lord want us to worship him? The Lord is fully self-sufficient and needs nothing, but he loves us perfectly. And since he loves us perfectly, he wants us to worship him for our benefit.
How does worshiping the Lord change us? Science has proven that we aspire to be like whomever we worship, therefore the more we worship the Lord the more Christ-like we become. Have you ever noticed peace and comfort when praising the Lord or reading the Word? This is the result of being closer to the Lord, because his presence is perfect love, peace and joy. The more we seek the Lord, the more we can focus on the Lord and block out the world, the more comfort we will experience.
The more we worship the Lord, praising and thanking him, the more comfort we receive from the Lord. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. (Psalm 119:76) If we take the time each day to praise, thank, meditate on the Lord, it will become something we desire because it brings and increasing level of love, peace, joy, and confidence. It drives our desire to be closer to the Lord because being in his presence is the most fulfilling thing in all creation. In heaven we will be in his presence and experience perfect love, peace, joy, contentment, satisfaction; we will experience the heart of Christ.
This driving desire to be closer to the Lord comes from the realization that he fills us with his love, peace, and joy, which reduce stress and worry. Being close to the Lord is a process that requires living in the Spirit. This means we obey the Lord, drawing closer to him in worship, prayer, reading his Word, and experiencing him in our life as we minister to others. We become closer to the Lord as we minister to others and experience what Jesus went through when ministered to others. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8)
Today take time to stop and focus on the Lord, worshipping him in song, praise, and thanks. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (2 Chronicles 16:34) Focus on his love and remember scriptures that reveal his love. Take a few minutes and worship the Lord, it will become a desirable habit and will bring comfort when you need a peaceful moment.
Prayer: Lord open my heart to worship you with praise and thanks as I go through my day. Fill my heart with your love drawing me closer to you that I might experience your love, peace, and joy. Thank you for filling me with your Spirit, who will guide me in your wisdom through every situation I will encounter today. In Jesus name, Amen