Psalm 95:1-9
FOCUS VERSE
When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise and bow down, all of them, at the entrance of their tent.
-Exodus 33:10 (NRSV)
The music in worship swelled as our voices joined in praising God. Suddenly the little boy in front of us began clapping along with us, sending crumbs from his cookies flying all around us. His mother seemed embarrassed, but my heart was filled with wonder. Do I practice my faith with childlike abandon? Do I drop everything at a moment's notice to worship the Lord?
I thought of Israel traveling in the desert. When a pillar of cloud appeared outside the tent of meeting, they would drop everything and worship God. They recognized God's presence daily. But their journey was long and hard, and over many years their devotion wavered.
In the midst of my daily struggles and difficulties, I often forget that my highest purpose is to worship God. When I worship, I am connecting with my Creator in a fellowship that renews and refreshes me for what lies ahead. In such moments, I feel God's presence; I delight in God, and God delights in me.
Seeing that young boy, I began praying that God would give me joy and enthusiasm in my worship. That remains my prayer.
Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Missouri, USA)
PRAYER
O Lord, help us to worship you in every moment of every day. Amen.
THOT:
If we pay attention, moments in every day will call us to worship.