On good days, I’ll readily admit it: I’m self-centered.
Everything in my world revolves around me, how I feel, what I want, and what I’m going to have for lunch.
And if I’d venture a guess, you’re probably the same way.
We may say we worship God, but in our heart of hearts, really, what we truly worship is ourselves.
Jesus says, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks,” and if there’s ever pride, anger, bitterness, self-pity, hatred, impatience, lack of self-control, worry, greed… that means my heart is centered on myself.
But I don’t want to be that way. There are moments, brief fleeting moments of coming face-to-face with the awesome Creator of the universe that completely transform the way I view the world. I realize that life is not about me. I am fleeting, like the potted flowers in my windowsill planter: here today, dead tomorrow.
But God… He is the One who endures forever.
The Lord is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?
Psalm 113:4-6
The whole universe revolves around Him. He was before the creation of the world and He will continue long after everything around us fades. In Him, everything holds together and all of the world around us praises Him continuously.
The beautiful sunrise creeping over the horizon? Yep, that’s for Him.
The squirrels scrambling to make provisions for winter? That points to Him.
The giggle of a cherub baby as she looks up at her mama? That also glorifies Him.
Everything. Everywhere. All the time. Always. worships God.
Except humans. And demons. We’re so marred by sin that we can’t see past ourselves.
So I sing. Not because I have a pretty voice. Not because it makes me holier or better. Not because God needs my praise. (Umm, hello? He has a WHOLE angelic realm that worships Him nonstop.) God isn’t lacking worshipers.
I sing to reorient myself to the truth that I was created for one reason alone: to worship God. I worship to allow the truths of those songs to pull my gaze from myself onto the only One who deserves all the adoration of all things. I praise because it’s the life-giving antidote to this soul-threatening disease called pride.
And the miracle? God receives those praises from a pure and broken heart. Every time.
Day 27 Challenge: Whether you worship through hymns, praise choruses, rap or word slams, today fill your heart (and your mouth) with songs of praise. Even if you don’t “feel” it, do it. Preach truth to your heart until you begin to believe Him and be transformed by worshipping Him.
Father, all creation worships You, and we alone steal Your glory. Forgive me for being so self-centered that I go throughout my day pretending the universe revolves around me. Thank you for Your patience, compassion, and mercy that You receive me every time I come to You with broken but sincere worship. You are God alone from before time began, and You are on Your throne. You will reign forever–let Your glory fill the earth and every crevice of my life, from leaf-blowing to laundry-folding to love-making. May my life song sing to You.
This is the 27th post in the series, “Abiding in Christ–when reading the Bible isn’t an option.” Check out all the posts here.