Why Do We Worship?

Part 2 of 3

Text: Psalm 23, NLT:

1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, F26 I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

  • As believers, we should want to because we have
    • a personal God (Of or relating to a particular person; private)
      • John 4:21-24: Jesus was there, in person, talking to a woman whom was considered shameful!
      • Daniel 3:21-27: God had sent an angel to walk through the fires of the furnace with the three Hebrew children!
    • a transcendent God (Lying beyond the ordinary range of perception)
      • We do not worship an equal
      • Isaiah 55:8: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
      • Isaiah 6:3: And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
    • an imminent God (About to occur)
      • God is constantly present in our lives.
      • Acts 17:27-28, Paul said: 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
      • In worship, we acknowledge our total dependence on Him.
    • a trustworthy God (Warranting trust; reliable)
      • We are never disappointed when we lift our voice in praise and adoration. He’s already waiting for it!
      • Romans 8:30-31: 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
      • Revelation 3:20: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

“The Secret of Worship: Concentrate on God—stretch your mind. Adore Him.” –Ann Ortlund