News headlines come at us at a furious rate. Lately, we’ve heard how wildfires are devastating California, the monkeypox is spreading rapidly, and Russia continues to attack Ukraine. It is easy to become despondent, feeling like life is out of control.
How does worship play into this? Worship is a chance for us to focus our attention on the Lord—the all-powerful, all-knowing, eternal, never-changing Creator of the universe.
Understanding who it is that we worship puts “the real world” into perspective.
I can sing:
Behold our God seated on His throne,
Come let us adore Him.
Behold our King, nothing can compare,
Come let us adore Him.
The song invites me to reflect on the character of a God who is sovereign and in control. There is nothing that comes close to His power, strength, and wisdom.
I can sing:
I am not what I make, I am who you have made me to be
I am not what I’ve done, I am loved unconditionally,
I am not loved by the measure of love that I bring
I am not who I know, I am known by the King of all kings.
The song reminds me that I was created by the same God that created the moon and the stars. I was created by a God who loves me unconditionally. And, even better, I don’t have to strive or work hard at loving Him back. He knows me intimately.
I can sing:
Our God is a consuming fire, a burning, holy flame with glory and freedom
Our God is the only righteous judge, ruling over us with kindness and wisdom.
I can remember that all of the injustice in the world, that all those who have wronged me, will be judged by a just God who rules with love and compassion.
Worship helps to give us a correct perspective of God. When our understanding of God is correct, we don’t have to worry and fret about all that the world throws at us.
I am reminded of when Jesus is walking on the water and Peter gets out of the boat to join him. As long as Peter focuses his attention on Jesus, he stays up on top of the water. But as soon as he looks at the wind and the waves, he begins to sink. Worship is a way for us to keep our focus on Jesus—to allow Him to deal with the wind and the waves and to trust that He is Lord in “the real world.”