“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people.”
Psalm 149:4a (KJV)
Okay, so I took a short break. But that’s all it was! This thing ain’t over yet. However, I think I am going to have to severely shorten these if I am going to be able to stay motivated. It takes me a long time to write anything (because I get distracted so easily), and spending an hour-and-a-half each night writing a blog is just a little too much. Hope you guys don’t mind!
This chapter is the first in the section on worship, entitled “You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure.” Rick Warren defines worship as “bringing pleasure to God,” which is a good way to think about it. Key points include:
- Worship isn’t for you.
- Saying that you “got a lot out of the worship ceremony” is beside the point. What did God get out of it? If you’re trying to get something out of it for yourself, rather than trying to please God, you’re doing it wrong.
- Worship is more than music.
- Everything you do can and should be worship for God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31; KJV) Worship should extend to every part of your life, in every second that you draw breath, regardless of what you’re doing. The worship service before church is just a small part of that.
- Worship means being in love with God.
- And expressing that love through your thoughts and actions. We should be so in love with God that we can’t help but think about Him constantly and try to make Him happy with everything we do.
God, help me to treat my whole life as worship, seeking to please You, out of the love that I have for you. When I sing praises to You, help me to really be praising You, rather than selfishly seeking the good feeling that I feel when I do. I love you, and I will strive to glorify You in all I do.
Amen.