Tuesday, August 26, 2014

two motivations for worship

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,

will enter your house.

I will bow down toward your holy temple

in the fear of you.

Psalm 5:7


The psalmist lives with the tension of what he knows about God and uses that tension to drive his heart to worship. One great motivation for worship is appreciation for God's faithful love. And that faithful love was something real in the poetry of this worship song. God loved His people into relationship. This love blessed Israel. It was God's gracious love that gave them the unique distinctive of being God's chosen people. Love led to worship.


The second motivation for worship was a concept we often don't appreciate: the fear of The Lord. We think of phobias and sinful anger with "fear". But the fear of The Lord is a healthy respect for God. It knows God's power, His wrath at sin, His sovereign control, and His holy love. Fear is as vital as love as a motivation to worship. This fear puts us in our place as subjects under the rule and care of a great God.


Lord,

Teach me what it means for me to worship You with the healthy balance of experiencing both love and the fear of Your great Name. Help me to not just express thankfulness for Your faithful love. Assist me in respecting and fearing You.

Amen

No comments:

Post a Comment