Finding Safety in God’s Presence through Worship
If you’re a parent you know what it’s like to have your toddler run to you when they became afraid or anxious. They would lift their arms for you to pick them up, grab you around the neck, and hold on for dear life. Your presence could make bad dogs, crowds of people, thunder, or anything else scary suddenly be OK. In your arms monsters could disappear, boo-boos become all better, and little wounded spirits would be healed.
That’s what the safety in God’s presence can do for you.
We live in a world where bad stuff happens. Bad people do bad things. Natural disasters and trouble with job, marriage, or money are common. People get sick and sometimes die. Our homes, our church, our nation, our world are under frequent if not constant attack. We’re often left with a sense that so much is out of our control. It’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed and bombarded.
It’s good to know that like a child, we can run into our Father’s arms and find peace, healing, safety, and so much more. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Worship is the way you get there.
Worship is different than praise. While praise it vitally important, worship is deeper and more intimate. Praise stirs up the soul, and is often directed outward, telling others how great God is. Worship stills the soul, and is directed toward God alone. (Psalm 46:10)
In worship the posture of your soul is like that of John when he saw in person the risen ascended glorified Jesus. John did not express excitement, leap with joy, and rush to gather others around. Instead, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.” (Revelation 1:17)
In true worship you lose sight of anyone and anything else. You forget your surroundings and your troubles, and time has no meaning. All your senses are transfixed by the person and presence of Jesus.
