Worship As Refuge

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. 2nd Samuel 22: 31 - 37

Is it just me, or are things kind of difficult right now? I mean, global Jihad is enough to mess up your day, but what about all the other things you have to deal with right here at home? Kids, work, health issues, money, marriage, keeping the yard looking better than the neighbors . The list is endless of things that have to be managed every day. And then, there’s ministry! If you’re like me, you can feel pretty overwhelmed sometimes just doing what has to be done and preparing to minister to other busy people often takes a back seat. Well, when life starts to swallow us whole and we feel that all-too-familiar sinking feeling  - you know, the one that is accompanied by a loud gasping noise as you go down for the third time -  it’s time to remember that God has provided an answer for us in worship.

Jack Hayford wrote in his book Worship His Majesty (Regal Books) that “Worship is to God, but for man.” God deserves and demands the worship because He alone is worthy.  But, we’re the ones who benefit from worship.  It doesn’t alter His worthiness in the least for us to worship Him or not. That singular phrase has helped me to understand worship, and its personal benefits, like no other phrase I have ever read.