Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours alone in the woods. As I’ve sat motionless, robins have perched on my knees, mice have nibbled at my bootlaces, an owl once landed inches from my shoulder, and a roebuck advanced to within a couple yards of me—apparently thinking I was an adversary.
These have been spiritually inspiring experiences for me, causing me to marvel at my Creator, His intimacy with me, and His perfect design. And as He’s lifted my soul, I’ve responded to Him with praise and thanksgiving for all He’s done for me—acknowledging His love and amazing, creative power.
It’s interesting to note that the apostle Paul’s mission was birthed out of people praising God: “As these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Appoint Barnabas and Saul [Paul] for the special work to which I have called them’ ” (Acts 13:2). We often think that the start of our service for God is in the formulation of a plan, bringing people together, or perhaps booking a venue.
But Paul’s experience shows that our main role is to worship God. How? Through praise, prayer, thanksgiving, and in recognition of who He is (Acts 13:2-3). Out of this flows our preparation, plans, and opportunities (Acts 13:4). God provides the opportunities once we’re in line with His will, having worshiped Him with all we are.
Look in the psalms and see how many of them present the majesty and amazing attributes of God (Psalm 19, 103, 104, for example). As we see how Paul and Barnabas were chosen, it’s clear that our primary role in serving God is worshiping Him with our thanks, praise, and adoration—not just in church, but in every aspect of our lives.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 8:1-25
More:
Read Romans 12:1-2 and reflect on the way Paul calls us to truly worship God by presenting ourselves as living sacrifices.
Next:
What things in your life bring out a sense of thankfulness or adoration of God? Why is it so vital for you to worship Him with all you are?
godlove on October 18, 2016 at 2:58 am
Russell, thank you very much for sharing that very vivid description of your times spent with GOD’s Creation in its pure, unadulterated form. I was thinking about the question from the Next section: “What things in your life bring out a sense of thankfulness or adoration of God?” – and when I think of it, just about everything in my life does; I mean it, just about everything. My life as a whole has been filled with one blessing after the other, and I have always felt GOD’s guiding presence throughout life. Looking at the odds stacked up against me right from the onset and at every stage, I’m pretty certain I would never have been able to come this far without His Divine Grace. That’s why it’s always so painful and mortifying for me at times when I realise that I’m not doing the right things which He requires from me. I would love to express my gratitude towards him by being a faithful and obedient child of God all the time. I certainly don’t need any reminding about how vital it is for me to worship GOD with my entire being: body, mind, heart, soul, spirit, everything. GOD is so good; I love Him so much!
gagirllive on October 18, 2016 at 8:27 am
Micah 6: 8, my friend. 🙂
godlove on October 18, 2016 at 8:20 pm
Thank you so much for that verse, gagirl. It was spot on, exactly what I needed today. I have been feeling a little bit troubled and reading that verse just gave me a huge bump of peace 🙂 May you richly be blessed, my dear sister, you are a real source of encouragement.
Gary Shultz on October 18, 2016 at 6:09 am
As you know Russell, many people have not seen and experienced nature the way you have. You have felt the hand of God present in His creation and have responded with worship. The truth is also in agreement with what you write our journey; it begins with worship to our God, sin may have to be cleared first, but flowing from our heart should be the great aspects of God Himself. I still enjoy when God introduces Himself as the creator and asks questions about His work in the making. As Godlove mentions to feel God’s presence, it can also be experienced at other times and places, but there is the special awe of being captured by the surroundings of what God put here for us. And it was to point us back to Him. A time of refreshing and reflection. Thanks for taking us on a hike Russell, thanks for reminding to turn to our God in worship and praise.
gagirllive on October 18, 2016 at 7:34 am
You almost took me on a virtual hike, Russell. It has just been in recent years that I’ve taken more to the great outdoors. Still not a big fan of the little critters, but I do have an appreciation for the plant life. I especially enjoy the foliage in the north Georgia mountains this time of year. We get a nice splash of vibrant colors. I love fall and all things pumpkin. And don’t even let me get started on the apple orchards. 🙂 Ahhh…nature is such a great prelude to worshiping God. And worshiping God is a necessary prelude to effectively serving Him. He wants to own our heart before we give Him our hands. Too often we try to do God’s work without His power. And we can only experience His power by being plugged in to Him in submission everyday through worship, prayer, and the Word. Years ago, singer Larnelle Harris gave us a beautiful song about this called “I Miss My Time with You”. To me, the lyrics address quite succintly what you’ve said here, Russell. He sang the chorus as though God were speaking to us, saying: “I miss my time with you—those moments together. I need to be with you each day, but it hurts Me when you say that you’re too busy—busy trying to serve Me. But how can you serve Me when your spirit’s empty? There’s a longing in My heart wanting more than just a part of you. It’s true—I miss My time with you.” It’s an oldie, but goodie, and speaks so poignantly to the fact that our service to God is born out of an intimate relationship with Him. May we all seek Him first and foremost in our lives. Thanks for the encouragement, Russell. Hope you’re blessed with many days of happy hiking. 🙂 Joy and peace to all today.
sandy229 on October 18, 2016 at 10:00 am
“there he was just waiting,
in our old familiar place
an empty spot beside him,
where once i used to wait
to be filled with strength and wisdom
for the battles of the day
i would have passed him by again
if i didn’t hear him say
(chorus)
i miss my time with you
those moments together
i need to be with you each day
and it hurt’s me when you say
you’re too busy
busy trying to serve me
but how can you serve me
when your spirit’s empty
there’s a longing in my heart
wanting more than just a part of you
it’s true
i miss my time with you
what do i have to offer
how can i truly care
my efforts have no meaning
when your presence isn’t there
but you will provide the power
if i take time to pray
i’ll stay right here beside him
and you will never have to say..
(chorus)”
sim jing ying on October 18, 2016 at 10:27 am
Being given a chance to study is the a reason to be thankful and a time of adoration in the Lord. Next, worship is vital as it will put a focus on Him because everything done without the guidance of God is meaningless.