On this adventurous journey called life, I've recently been led down a path of learning. I'm learning things I thought I already knew, which is a good lesson in itself.
I'm learning a lot about worship. I'm not talking about standing in church and singing songs of praise (though that clearly can be a form of worship). I'm talking about the worship Jesus described to the Samaritan woman at the well, worshipping in spirit and in truth. I'm talking about the kind of worship Paul described in Romans, spiritual acts of worship with our bodies.
I've been spending some time this week in Winona, MN. Winona is a beautiful city situated between the bluffs and the Mississippi River. There is a beautiful park by a lake, which faces the bluffs. It's one of my favorite places to hang out, and one of those special places where I sense God's presence.
Today I committed to spending one hour in silence at this park to hear from God and write down whatever came to my mind. Here is part of what I recorded today:
The lake is a place of worship. Everything here worships God. The wildflowers bow down before His majesty. Tree branches and waves dance to the music of the wind. The birds sing under the care of their God.
People come here to refresh body and mind in the presence of His created beauty. They may think of this place as an escape, but I prefer to see it as a place to run to.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirst for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Psalm 42:1-2)
I watch the ducks on the water and ponder how similar we are. To most people, I probably appear to be calm and in control. In reality, I’m paddling like a maniac to keep my head above water. Thankfully, like the duck, my Father cares for me. He loves me with an undeniable, reckless, faithful kind of love. He keeps me afloat.
What can keep me from worshipping Him with all my heart, mind, and strength? Only me. Oh sure, I can blame people and demons, but the truth is, it’s only me that gets in the way. My selfish spirit, my narcissistic focus, my sinful nature. The old me.
“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25)
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It's a God thing that I found this blog. Maybe u told me about it before but I don't remember it.
ReplyDeleteIt is exciting to hear how God is working in your heart and re-newing your spirit.
Still love you,
Mom
I like writing things that God tells me. I have only done it a handful of times, but it's so. . . inspiring? I don't know the word for it I guess. I love the many different ways He manifests Himself :)
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