Did you watch the Super Bowl over the weekend?  Many people were hyped up and excited.  They talked about it and cheered on.  It is a natural thing to do when you are excited.

When your team does something good, you want to revel in it.  When you find a great sale, you want to tell your friends.  When your kids accomplish something, you want to post about it.

But often – when it comes to God – crickets.  We do little.  We say little.  We let it go.

Here in Mississippi, worship is not a foreign concept.  However, it is not always what it should be.  Many of us see it as an event you attend.  Many of us see it as an obligation to check off the to-do list.  Many of us see it as irrelevant and a timewaster.

Psalm 92 is a great passage on worship.  It points out how good it is to praise and make music to God (verse 1).  It encourages us to proclaim His love and faithfulness which is proven by what He has done (verses 2-5).  It warns us that a wicked person who does not truly worship God is foolish and will face severe consequences (verse 6).  But a righteous person who truly worships God will grow strong and flourish (verses 12-13).

Where do you fit in this?

Worship is crucial, yet many who go to church never draw near to God.

Psalm 132:7 states, “Let’s go to His dwelling place; let’s worship at His footstool.”  Worship brings you in direct contact with the all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful Creator of the Universe.  He wants us to draw near.  He wants to fill us with His love until it overflows.  He is why we can love others.

Worship can lead to great change.  Consider Paul and Silas in Acts 16.  Because of their faith, they were beaten and thrown in prison.  Around midnight (despite their circumstances) they began to worship God, and God moved.  God opened the doors – literally.

We are not talking about positive thinking.  We are talking about being in the presence of God and seeing Him move.

Worship.

That is my challenge to you.  Worship Him for who He is.  Worship Him because He deserves nothing less.  Worship Him because He can change your life.

When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question.  I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose).  He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS.  He also helps other churches (as able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads.  He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog.

Photo by Wallpaper Cave