April 19, Praise and Worship

Today’s reading: Psalms 91-95

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song” - Psalm 95:1-2.

There is certainly nothing wrong with private devotionals in which you spend time worshiping and praising the Lord. The context of this passage, however, is for “us” to sing for joy, and that means a group of people worshiping in a corporate setting. Jesus gave His life for the church; it is the apple of His eye. If Jesus felt church was that important, you should too. And part of the dynamic of gathering is to experience the combined singing, clapping and joy of many voices joined together in one accord. Paul instructed the church with these words: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16). Are you part of a worshiping local congregation? Do you attend regularly and make your gifts available to the leadership and members? Do you actively worship when you do attend, putting aside all worry and distractions to joyfully join your voice with others?