In the Presence: The Joy of Worship
February 13, 2024
Katherine Schultz
Ever have an internal conversation like this?
Unsettled Worship
Better Self: Good morning! I noticed you seemed a bit unsettled during worship time at church lately. What’s been going on?
You: Yeah, I don’t know. I find it hard to focus when the music isn’t my style, or if it’s too loud. And there are distractions around me, and life outside of church feels overwhelming.
Better Self: Interesting. Let me ask you this: when you come to worship, why are you there?
You: Well, I want to connect with God, to feel His presence, and to show him I love and honors him. But sometimes, with all the distractions, it’s hard to do that.
Better Self: I see. Do you think God’s presence is limited to certain musical styles or volumes?
You: No, not really. But it helps when the music resonates with me; it feels more personal.
Better Self: Fair enough. Remember what it says in Psalm 100:2-4: “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
You: That’s true. But how do I overcome the distractions and busyness in my mind during worship?
Better Self: Good question. Have you considered that worship is not just about the external environment but also about the internal disposition of your heart?
You: What do you mean?
Better Self: In Psalm 46:10, it says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Perhaps, instead of focusing on the distractions, you can intentionally still your mind and turn your attention to God.
You: But what if the distractions are too much?
Better Self: Another good point. Maybe it’s an opportunity to practice patience and learn to center yourself despite external circumstances. Remember James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Cultivating a Focused Heart
You: I guess I hadn’t thought about it that way.
Better Self: And what about the busyness outside of church? Could it be that dedicating time to worship is precisely what you need during those hectic moments?
You: You might be onto something. It’s just hard to switch gears sometimes.
Better Self: It is, but as Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
You: I see. Maybe I need to approach worship with a different mindset–a different attitude.
Better Self: Exactly. Remember, it’s not about the perfect conditions but about the condition of your heart. What can you do to cultivate a more focused and receptive heart during worship?
You: I could try praying before church, asking for help to set aside distractions and busyness.
Better Self: That’s a great idea. And in Philippians 4:6-7, it says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
You: I’ll give it a try this weekend.
Better Self: Remember, worship is not about achieving a perfect state; it’s about connecting with God in the midst of life. Keep seeking God with an open and willing heart. Remember Psalm 95:6: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” In your worship, find joy in the simple act of bowing before the Creator, recognizing the profound connection with God.
From Obligation to Enjoyment
You: Well, sometimes it feels more like an obligation than something I genuinely enjoy.
Better Self: That’s an honest reflection. Let me ask you this: Have you considered that joy in worship comes from a heart that delights in the presence of God, regardless of external circumstances?
You: I guess I haven’t thought about it that way.
Better Self: Psalm 100:2 encourages us to “Worship the Lord with gladness.” Notice the connection between worship and joy. Perhaps, finding joy in worship involves intentionally approaching it with a glad and grateful heart.
Cultivating Joy in Worship
You: But how do I cultivate that joy?
Better Self: Great question. In Psalm 16:11, it says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Joy in worship is rooted in the awareness of God’s presence. Have you tried consciously acknowledging His presence during worship?
You: I often get caught up in the activities during the service–singing, prayer, listening to the preaching of God’s word, communion.
Better Self: Acts 2:46-47 describes the early believers: “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” There’s a sense of communal joy and sincerity. How about connecting with others before, during, and after worship? Sharing that joy with fellow believers might enhance your own experience.
Rejoicing in the Lord
You: I usually keep to myself–I’m an introvert.
Better Self: That’s fine, but it’s okay to be more engaged during the worship service, too, in your own way. In 1 Peter 1:8, it says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” Your belief and love for God can fuel an inexpressible joy. Have you tried expressing that love actively during worship?
You: I suppose I could be more intentional about it.
Better Self: Indeed. Philippians 4:4 advises, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Joy is a recurring theme. Consider making a conscious effort to rejoice in the Lord during worship, celebrating His goodness and faithfulness.
You: I’ll give it a try. But what if I don’t feel joyful?
Better Self: It’s normal for emotions to fluctuate. Instead of relying solely on feelings, approach worship with an intentional and grateful heart. Remember, joy in worship is a reflection of the state of your heart. As you actively engage with the Lord, may your worship be not just an obligation but a joyful expression of your love for Him.
- Attending Church: Church Attendance: A Call to Worship – Together
- Faith in Imperfect Community: A Biblical Approach to Church Life
Now What?
We are convinced of the immediate relevance of developing a 3-dimensional and biblical worldview in students so that they have a firm foundation of beliefs that they live out in their daily behavior as they continue with an attitude that orients their heart toward the Lord Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
- What Is the 3-D Worldview Survey?
- Take the 3-D Worldview for yourself
And if you haven’t yet used the 3-D Worldview Survey with your class, check out the pdf below for some questions to get you started.
#3dworldview #biblicalworldview #joyofworship
