Bible Reading: Psalm 47; Revelation 6:1-8
“For God is the King of all the earth: Sing ye praises with understanding” – Psalm 47:7 (KJV).
One thing we cannot take away from believers in Christ is the art of singing praises and worship to God. How we sing beautiful songs with good lyrics, lovely sounds and good music backing. We sing with such passion and express the praise in dance and great excitement.
In doing this, however, we must be careful not to entertain the flesh in the guise of praise and worship. It is possible for the body to sweat profusely while the heart is cold and unaffected by the praise. There is the need to understanding that true praise and worship is first borne out of the heart. Praise and worship are outward expressions of inward gratitude, devotion and love for God. Any singing, dancing and expression of praise or worship that does not first spring from a heart of appreciation and love are mere religious exercise or entertainment.
How we praise or worship is important to God. True worship or praise begins with a vital relationship with the one we worship. It is a mere religious exercise to express our praise in dance and singing while the heart is cold towards God. Hear what Jesus said to the woman of Samaria: “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and in truth: For the father seeketh such to worship him” – John 4: 22–23 (KJV).
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to praise you with understanding of who you truly are.
Rev. Vincent Diolu