Worship – Jennifer Woodley
‘And all they could do was worship him. Overwhelmed and ecstatic with joy, they made their way back to Jerusalem. Every day they went to the temple, praising and worshiping God.’ Luke 24:52-53 (The Passion)
It is in the act of worship that we are filled with complete and utter joy. No other activity can do that. Just recently I attended an overnight prayer retreat for work. My attitude upon arriving was not good: I was feeling unenthusiastic about my current work role and disgruntled with my employer. Clearly, there was a black cloud of resistance resting upon me.
However, God was also hovering over my situation. He is at work even when we don’t see it or feel it. Entering worship and listening to the promises in His word can shift our perspective and our stubborn heart. As I reluctantly, but obediently opened my heart to God and raised my voice in song to Him, the Spirit began to shine glorious light into my dark and despairing thoughts.
Through worship we abandon our self to Jesus’ love and the dark clouds are swept away by joy and hope. Worship can give us a new perspective and a willingness to embrace whatever God calls us to do with newfound enthusiasm. Truly, through worship, God creates a new heart and renews a right spirit within us.
When our passion and joy falter, we must worship. Even if we don’t want to. And when we deliberately choose to worship our Heavenly Father, we allow God, the Creator, to recreate something beautiful and hopeful in the dark, despairing places of our lives. Through worship, let’s become a co-worker with Him in creating a beautiful life.
Jennifer is a freelance writer who enjoys encouraging others on the faith journey through writing and mentoring. Contact | 
