(30) The Heart of Worship is Purposeful

(Note: This is part of a continuing series of posts on The Heart of Worship & Psalm 95)

Let us come

before His presence
(Psalm 95:2)

Why do you go to church? Think about it. That’s actually not a dumb question. Some people go to church out of habit or ritual. Some people go to church to keep a friend or family member from nagging them. Some go to church to see friends, others to enjoy the music or a creative, gifted speaker. Some of these are pretty bad reasons for going to church, none of these should be our primary reason for going to church.

“Let us come before His presence” is an invitation to come together with clear intention and purpose. God is everywhere present with His whole being at all times, yet He has chosen to demonstrate His presence in a unique way when His people choose to assemble together in worship. When we gather together to “worship”, we must each purpose in our hearts and actions to enter together into the unique presence of God. Every other reason for gathering, even sound, biblical reasons like fellowship with the family of God must honor this ultimate and essential purpose for gathering. Our gathering must be in the presence of God and for the purpose of the glory of God.

This isn’t a matter of inviting God into our presence. God is present, but we must actively choose to recognize, be alert to, and worship before Him in His presence. It doesn’t just happen, it must be intentional, purposeful.

So, let me ask again, why do you go to church? What’s in your mind and heart when you arrive? . . . when you sit there waiting for the service to begin? . . . throughout the service? Are you conscious of the very real presence of God? Are you intent on meeting in the unique presence of God with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

This Sunday, take time before the service begins and get focused. “Let us come before His presence”

Soli Deo Gloria

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