Elements of WorshipSample

remember <-----> reach

Grateful worshipper, let’s think back to the dearest and deepest God-moments of our lives. Why did we worship so passionately in the midst of those circumstances? What did God do there?

Intentionally remembering is essential in worship because the works of God, whether His revelation in the lives of biblical heroes, His intervention in the lives of the saints of all ages, or His nearness in our own lives and family, launches worship again and again. In the same way searching a familiar mountain pass summons fresh insights as the seasons pass, so reviewing the inspiration of past worship brings fresh insights in how to worship Him afresh. They are our worship gifts to reoffer to God in this very moment.

But there is a tension. God is ever revealing Himself and always will be. We desperately need these fresh insights. Our biblical brothers and sisters were often surprised by the Lord and spontaneously worshipped Him, even calling Him by a new name based on their firsthand understanding of who He was to them.

There is a deep worship pool in remembering the beauty and holiness of God-events and memorializing them in our hearts. But worship based on the Lord’s past exploits should not become a spiritual campground. We can reach and receive anew. Expanding worship based on God’s omniscience is His ongoing invitation. I think we will be remembering and reaching into eternity.

An Invitation

Remembering is one of the surest ways to authentic worship because the memory of God’s activity is part of your long-term memory. Simply reopen that compilation and thank, praise, and worship Him for what He has done.

Some of the signs of the need for a fresh reach could include: an unnamed dissatisfaction with “church as usual,” spiritual jealousy (watching from the sidelines with sinking heart as others grow in the Lord and bear Kingdom fruit), gnawing hunger for more of Jesus, or a rising summons to seek the Lord as never before. The problem is not the people around you. The problem isn’t even a problem. You were created to enjoy an expanding relationship with our God and He is inviting you deeper in Him. Do you long for a God-surprise to inspire worship? Ask: Lord, reveal Yourself to me in new ways that I may know You and worship You more. He loves to answer this prayer.