Experiencing God's Presence #39

Experiencing God's Presence #39

You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.

Psalm 22:3, NKJV

God inhabits praise. Actually, God inhabits our hearts and all circumstances we devote to Him, but He is especially active in our worship. When our hearts are turned toward Him in adoration, He feels at home in them. This is what He designed us for.

Why is God so drawn to worship? Not because He’s an egomaniac but because it’s an accurate perception of who He is and a celebration of the relationship we have with Him. It’s the clearest picture of heaven that we can reflect on earth.

Think about it. How do words of affirmation sound to you? How much do you enjoy compliments for a job well done or a life well lived? You, who were made in God’s image, thrive on appreciation from others. It only makes sense that the God who patterned us after Himself has the same feelings of joy when He is appreciated.

When we realize this and choose to praise God more intentionally, our first attempts often feel contrived. An inner voice may tell us we are just praising Him out of a sense of obligation or in order to experience His benefits. Ignore that voice. So what if worship takes practice—if we have to press through some awkward moments? All relationships have those moments. Choose to worship anyway. Pick an attribute of God and compliment Him for it. Tell Him you love how He created this world or the tenderness He was able to put in the human heart, which surely reflects His own. Admire Him. We usually have no trouble talking about the skills, talents, and admirable characteristics of other human beings; we can do the same with God. And when we do, He inhabits us, our words, and our hearts in often dramatic ways.

Father, I love how You are drawn to words of affirmation. I love that You desire my heart and my attention. I want to fulfill Your desires, knowing that Your Presence will fulfill mine.