NIV Once-A-Day Bible Worship and Praise DevotionalEsimerkki

RUGGED WORSHIP Call to mind a charismatic worshiper. He or she is smiling, right? Almost jaunty. Perhaps even clapping with a joyful look of bliss. Now behold Abraham, the so-called friend of God. God has just confided in his faithful follower: Catastrophic judgment is coming soon to Sodom. Abraham is upset. He wrings his hands. What is he to do? He has family in the doomed city. Notice what Abraham doesn’t do. He doesn’t pout, or stew, or complain to friends. Instead, he takes his heavy heart straight to God. His questions aren’t rhetorical. His words aren’t self-talk. This is a desperate plea with the Divine. A crisis conversation with the Creator. If worship is giving God our undivided attention, then the careworn, distraught Abraham is worshiping even at this sobering moment. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with worry and anxiety. Don’t let these feelings alienate you from God. Instead, worship him with your questions and doubts today. Then believe and pray as much as you are able. Lord, to me, worship means . . .