Why do we worship? Some of us may be asking that question for different reasons than we may have several weeks ago. Some of us today are asking because we are struggling to see any reason why, in light of our current COVID induced isolation, we would be able to offer any truly authentic worship. It is a point worth discussing, but in discussing it, we must remember that we don’t worship because of our circumstances. Those circumstances may inform our worship, but we need reminders that the Person whom we worship has not changed. So for a moment, let’s take our eyes off our circumstances so we can understand those circumstances in light of the God who is.
Wednesday, March 25th
Passage for Reflection - Psalm 33
Reflecting on the Text:
If you have not already done so, please read Psalm 33 through in its entirety. Once finished, I’d like for us to go back through the psalm section by section. Maybe some of you have heard me use the ESV Study Bible as a tour guide through the psalms. I’ll do so again, borrowing heavily from the ESV outline for Psalm 33. Having read the entire psalm once, let’s now go back through it together slowly.
Re-read vv. 1-3 — REJOICE…IN THE LORD
It is appropriate for the Lord’s children to joyfully worship Him.
Our worship is guided in song and accentuated by instrument
For (or because)…
Re-read vv. 4-9 — THE WORD OF THE LORD IS UPRIGHT
He is faithful.
His Word is true.
His Word is powerful…
it was in Creation,
it is now in Providence.
Re-read vv. 10-12 — THE WILL OF THE LORD PREVAILS
He accomplishes His plans.
His plans are wise.
Blessed are the people whom He has chosen.
Re-read vv. 13-19 — THE LORD SEES AND COMPREHENDS ALL
He is not detached.
He is engaged.
He is our strength and our hope.
Our strength and hope are not found in worldly measures.
He protects those who worship Him and trust in His steadfast love
Re-read vv. 20-22 — THEREFORE…WE WILL TRUST IN THE LORD
We will hope in you, O Lord!
Let your steadfast love be upon us.
See in this beautiful psalm, which celebrates the steadfast love of the Lord, both a reminder of who the Lord is and a guide for your prayer life. This reminder may not provide an immediate change to your circumstances, but it will offer a lens through which you can view those circumstances. And through that lens, may you be able to answer afresh the question, “Why do we worship?”
Questions for personal reflection:
Do you find yourself struggling to worship amid our current circumstances, or do you find that your worship is informed by our circumstances?
Regardless of how you answered the first question, confess your struggles before the Lord and make Psalm 33 a guide for your prayer time this morning.