Day 20
Read Psalm 84
The Westminster Shorter Catechism, one of the great Confessions of Faith to come out of the Reformation, says that the “chief end (purpose)” of all human beings is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This is as beautiful a description of the purpose and meaning of life I have ever come across. What greater purpose could there be then to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
There is a deep connection between worship and joy. Psalm 84 captures this connection. It is a Psalm about worship in the Temple. The joy that this worship brings is contagious in the psalm. The words “joy” and “happy” pop up over and over again. In verse 10 he declares that one day in God’s courts “is better than a thousand elsewhere.”
The word “worship” is used in different ways. In some congregations, only the musical part of the Sunday service is referred to as “Worship.” And so music leaders are hired and called “Worship Leaders” or “Worship Pastors.” In other congregations the whole Sunday service is referred to as “worship.” So someone might ask “Did you go to worship this morning?” and what they mean is: did you go to the church gathering? Others give even a larger definition and recognize that we can worship God with our whole lives.
The movie Chariots of Fire is based on the true story of Eric Liddell, an olympic sprinter. Liddell felt called to mission work in China. But, he also was exceptionally fast. And at one point in the movie he says, “ I believe that God made me for a purpose: for China. But he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure. To give it up would be to hold Him in contempt. You were right, it’s not just fun. To win is to honor Him.”
Liddell recognized that even running the 100 yard dash was a way to honor God. As he honored God he also enjoyed God - “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” I think this captures the connection between worship and joy, between honoring God and experiencing a sense of satisfaction.
“Happy are those whose strength is in you.” Psalm 84:5
“Happy is everyone who trusts in you.” Psalm 84:12
Prayer
Ask God to restore joy in your life. Spend some time thinking through what might get in your way of joy-filled worship.
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