“About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” – Acts 16:25-26
Worship is an essential part of the followers life. Without worship, our faith becomes dry and lifeless. It’s a privilege to worship God in spirit and in truth. True worship is to behold God, and look at His glory. From that place, our hearts pour out the songs of praise and thanks.
Worship is adoration from our heart. When we worship, things happen. Just like Paul and Silas worshipping in the jail cell. The atmosphere begins to change. Why is this? It’s because the Bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people. When we worship God, He inhabits our praise. The Bible also says that where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Because of this, we experience freedom.
It’s amazing to be able to worship God when everything in life is going well, but there’s such a beautiful aspect of true worship when our worship comes from a place of adversity.
I had the privilege once to worship in India with the persecuted church, and it was an incredibly humbling experience. I’ve heard of believers living in persecuted countries where they would worship quietly and hushed voices, literally with somebody outside of the room keeping watch.
I’ll leave you with this quote that I hope encourages you today:
“God fights for us as we worship Him. This empowering love, enables us to face death and persecution without fear and causes us to do what we never would be capable of in our strength. Your worship, regardless of your circumstances, is a mighty weapon against the enemy, and has the power to change lives and turn even the hardest of hearts towards the heart of God.” – Paul Abdelmassih (from the book “Radicals”)
Prayer: God, thank you that you are a loving God who hears our prayers and worship. Thank you that when we worship, you respond to us in love.
Amen
Kersten Feth & The Freedom Centre Team