GodReflection: Is Worship for God or for Me?
The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love (Psalms 147:11). For the LORD takes delight in his people (Psalms 149;4).

Over a lifetime I’ve met countless people from diverse nations. At any given time throughout my walk many of them have joined with me under the canopy of community.

As I think how that community has fluctuated with its ebb and flow there is a special group that comes to mind. It is a cluster of lifers who have walked with Jesus for enough years that his traits shine through their expressions.

All harshness has vanished. Warmth, twinkling eyes, insightfully appropriate smiles and a dash of humor combine to make up their presence.

When I interface with these people I recognize Jesus and catch a glimpse of Father God.

There are occasions when the combined orchestration of a worship assembly has connected me to such an image of God. Unfortunately, not every time when I enter a public worship does the ideal picture come to mind. Most likely, I failed to properly prepare my heart.

Here is what I think.

What if during the worship of the church I would envision God as the ultimate image of the Good Father. He is absolutely dependable. He is Just and above all He is Holy Love. He delights with His children.

Some of my fondest dad and mom memories flow from their presence in their recliners.

When children or grandchildren were in the room the presence of others brought delight.

They didn’t have to be  vocal participants in all that was going on around them. Their delight was evident by their demeanor.

Warmth, a twinkle from their eyes, an insightfully appropriate smile and a dash of humor from time to time stood witness to their delight. The room was warmed.
That is an image I need to bring with me into the Throne room when I assemble with believers to worship.

One brings a song and another brings a need. Someone reads from Scripture and another leads the assembled in prayer. An exhortation is brought to the believers. Encouragement trickles and flows from fellow disciples. Children animate. AND God smiles.

I am often impacted with the words of Psalm 103:

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love . . . he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust . . . But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

How could I leave an assembly of the Saints without warmth flowing from my soul to the bottom of my feet and knowing I made God smile?

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells

A GodReflection: When I Worship—God Smiles and I am Warmed.

Gary@Godreflection.org
http://www.GodReflection.org
http://www.MakeYourVisionGoViral.com