You Are Designed for Worship

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

Psalms 19:1-14

This week’s Scripture passages have a recurring theme: Faith is not just a matter of belief but a life of wholehearted and full-bodied worship. Every part of me and every part of you is required for discipleship. We ought to “keep the whole body in check” (James 3:2), turn our ear to the Lord (Is. 50:4-5), and follow Jesus publicly and unashamedly (Mark 8).

Author Harold Best, in his book Unceasing Worship, says, “Nobody does not worship.” In fact, we are designed to worship, and we will direct that worship to either the true God or false ones.

Humans are not alone in our inclination to worship. Psalm 19 describes how the heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands. All creation continually worships God and praises him for who he is and what he has done. We, as part of creation, join the rest of the universe in that unceasing worship.

Because of the Fall, our worship is often misdirected and twisted. We may not call it “worship,” but our energy and time are frequently dedicated to cults of celebrity and entertainment. Our religion may be our commitment to technology. Our temples may be stadiums of sport. Our cultural artifacts can be redeemed as purposeful expressions of love of God and neighbor, but all too often our work and worship are self-centered rather than self-less.

The second half of Psalm 19 paints a picture of the remedy. The psalmist gives a series of synonyms: the law of the Lord, the decrees of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord, the commandments of the Lord, the fear of the Lord, the ordinances of the Lord. All of these indicate that God has spoken. He is not silent. Our worship, left to itself, will naturally go astray. But God speaks to us. God redirects us and our worship back to the way of life.

Again, his work affects our whole lives. He revives our souls and makes us wise. Our eyes are enlightened, and our hearts rejoice. The result is not just a change of direction, but holistic transformation: “Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression” (v. 13).

Transformed lives produce transformed worship. Just as the heavens declare the glory of God, so too shall we.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: How much time do you spend each night watching Netflix or sports, browsing pop culture on the Internet, or otherwise entertaining yourself? How much time do you spend each day expressing your love for God and for others? Does your use of time reflect your priorities?

PRAYER: Lord of heaven and earth, may your glory be declared through us. May our lives proclaim your life, love, and goodness, this day and forevermore. Amen.

READ THE SCRIPTURE IN CONTEXT:

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.

They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19