The Power of Worship

The birth of Christ caused a torrent of worship to come up to God from almost everyone who heard about the Christ Child. In Luke 1:46,47 Mary praised the Lord and said, "My soul maginifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." Zacharias said, "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people." A multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men." The wise men fell down and worshipped the Christ Child, and opened their gifts for Him. Worship is the laying down of our lives before God, because of who God is. It is our reasonable service, as found in Rom. 12:1, "I urge you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." The NIV version says, "... -this is your spiritual act of worship." It is in worship that we welcome the presence of God into our lives. Ps. 22:3 says, "But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel." God sits upon the throne of our hearts when we worship Him. He inhabits the praises of His people. We see numerous examples in Scripture where God's presence is manifested when people worship Him. Here are 2 of my favorite passages. 2 Chron. 20 tells the story of the attack of the enemy on Israel. Under Jehoshaphat's leadership, they put the singers and praisers in the front of the army saying, "Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever." Israel won that battle without fighting, they only needed to praise the Lord. Another example of the power of praise is in Acts 16 when Paul and Silas were beaten and held in stocks in the prison. At midnight they prayed and sang praises unto God. There came an earthquake that freed all the prisoners, and demonstrated the mighty power of God that is present when people praise and worship God. Whatever situation you are in today, I encourage you to now worship God, and enthrone Him on your heart. Watch and see what happens when you put God first by worshipping Him.