21-Day-Fast Devotional - Day 04: Praise and Worship
Praise and Worship
written by Saribel Aguirre
When you think about Praise and Worship, what comes to mind? You may think about the “Praise and Worship Team” at church leading the congregation into the presence of God through songs. But let’s take a deeper look at what this truly means. Psalm 150:6 tells us,
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”
and in John 4:23 Jesus, tells us,
“…the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”
So, what does it mean to Praise and Worship God?
There are several Hebrew words for praise. One is “yadah,” to give thanks or confess; “zamar,” to sing praises and “halal” (the root of hallelujah), to honor or commend. In the Scriptures, we are called to Praise the Lord with song, instruments, dance, thanksgiving, and to give Him honor. We are to praise God with joy for His goodness and faithfulness.
However, what happens when difficulties arise? Are praise and worship the first things that come to mind? Perhaps not. But this is a wonderful opportunity for us to come into a closer, deeper, more intimate relationship with God and to seek his presence through worship. Now, let’s look at what Worship is. The Hebrew word for worship is “Shachah,” to bow down. It represents our humility, submission, and recognition of the greatness of God, to whom we bow down before. We are called to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth. True worship requires our sincere and complete surrender to God. I encourage you today to make praise and worship of God your lifestyle by giving Him control, recognizing His love, and greatness, and trusting Him completely!
Reflection: What will you apply to your life today to develop a lifestyle of worship?
Check back here, on the Christ Fellowship blog every morning at 7:00am, where that day’s devotional will be posted. Feel free to share, repost, and send the devotional to anyone you feel might benefit from it. And feel free to leave a comment on the blog post sharing what God has shown you that day through your fasting and the devotional.