Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 provides several great reminders on how to approach worship with the right attitude. We are to "guard our steps", to watch what we say or do; so that our worship is not meaningless or empty. We are urged to "listen", which means to learn what God has said about worship and to obey. And we are to remember that He is in heaven and we are here on earth. He is worthy of worship and we are to "stand in awe" of Him.
How often do we take for granted the privilege of coming before Him freely to worship? And how often do we forget, that He is to be revered and feared, that He is a great and awesome God?
So, that is the attitude that I regard Him now, the great and awesome God whom I should listen to and obey.
I look at my "thorn in the flesh", and it's easy to be frustrated and ask "Why?" Yet, just last night, He once again reminded me that His grace is sufficient for me; and I felt better after I offered Him a prayer of Thanksgiving for all that He has abundantly blessed me with, in this life.
And then this morning, another incident gave me pause, and made me wonder "Why?" I shook my head, and tried to fight off the feelings of disappointment, frustration, and even anger. Yet, I fortunately know what is right and I know that I need to TRUST in HIM.
And, in this morning's sermon, my pastor said that we often ask "Why?" because we are looking for someone or something to blame. But, it is best to bypass the "Why?" and just focus on what is key.
So, as I write this now, I am reminded to focus on Him as the One who has given us all that we have as gifts to be enjoyed and to be used for His glory. He loves me and has a purpose for all things. Life, with HIM, takes the meaninglessness away; so, the conclusion in Ecclesiastes is the same as the point in the beginning of chapter 5, to "Stand in Awe and Listen" is basically the same as "Fear God and Obey."
And, that is what I am going to do. While I may not see the whole picture, and there are things I do not understand, I will just "Stand in Awe and Listen". Amen!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Stand in Awe and Listen
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 provides several great reminders on how to approach worship with the right attitude. We are to "guard our steps", to watch what we say or do; so that our worship is not meaningless or empty. We are urged to "listen", which means to learn what God has said about worship and to obey. And we are to remember that He is in heaven and we are here on earth. He is worthy of worship and we are to "stand in awe" of Him.
How often do we take for granted the privilege of coming before Him freely to worship? And how often do we forget, that He is to be revered and feared, that He is a great and awesome God?
So, that is the attitude that I regard Him now, the great and awesome God whom I should listen to and obey.
I look at my "thorn in the flesh", and it's easy to be frustrated and ask "Why?" Yet, just last night, He once again reminded me that His grace is sufficient for me; and I felt better after I offered Him a prayer of Thanksgiving for all that He has abundantly blessed me with, in this life.
And then this morning, another incident gave me pause, and made me wonder "Why?" I shook my head, and tried to fight off the feelings of disappointment, frustration, and even anger. Yet, I fortunately know what is right and I know that I need to TRUST in HIM.
And, in this morning's sermon, my pastor said that we often ask "Why?" because we are looking for someone or something to blame. But, it is best to bypass the "Why?" and just focus on what is key.
So, as I write this now, I am reminded to focus on Him as the One who has given us all that we have as gifts to be enjoyed and to be used for His glory. He loves me and has a purpose for all things. Life, with HIM, takes the meaninglessness away; so, the conclusion in Ecclesiastes is the same as the point in the beginning of chapter 5, to "Stand in Awe and Listen" is basically the same as "Fear God and Obey."
And, that is what I am going to do. While I may not see the whole picture, and there are things I do not understand, I will just "Stand in Awe and Listen". Amen!
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