When God’s people gather to study His Word, something wonderful occurs. Similarly, an extraordinary atmosphere is created when they come together to sing His praises. Jesus assures us, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

This verse highlights that while God is always present, His presence is uniquely felt when His followers worship Him together.

The early church was characterized by a spirit of worship. Acts 2:46-47 reveals, “They ate their food with great joy and generosity, all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.” The phrase “great joy and generosity” signifies a deep, unaffected joy. The early church was vibrant and full of life, yet they also displayed a profound reverence. Just a few verses earlier, in Acts 2:43, we read, “A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.”

In our worship, both joy and reverence should coexist. A Spirit-filled church will naturally be a worshipping church, just as a Spirit-filled Christian will be a worshipping Christian.

Some may say, “I don’t always feel like worshipping.” However, did the first-century believers always feel inclined to praise God? They faced harassment, beatings, and mockery, enduring severe persecution, yet they remained thankful to God.

The Bible doesn’t instruct us to “give thanks to the Lord when you feel good.” Instead, it declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!” (1 Chronicles 16:34). This is how Job could worship God even amidst calamity: “Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship” (Job 1:20).

“Worship sometimes requires sacrifice, but it should always be accompanied by unaffected joy.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your unending and unconditional love. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, I am freed from the bondage of sin and future condemnation. You are so good to me, and I desire to respond with a life surrendered to You. Fill me with joy and reverence; fill me with Your Spirit and guide me to live a life of love and service for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org