O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalms 34:3
When we participate in true worship we enlarge our vision of God. Isn't that what we need? A big view of God? Don't we have big problems, big worries, big questions? Of course do. Hence we need a big view of God. Worship offers that.
How can we sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy" and not have our vision expanded? Or, what about the lines from “It Is Well with My Soul"?
My sin - O the bliss of this glorious thought,
My sin - not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 0 my soul!"
My sin - not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 0 my soul!"
We cannot sing those words and not have our countenance illuminated. A vibrant, shining face is the mark of one who has stood in God's presence. After speaking to God, Moses had to cover his face with a veil (Exodus 34:33-35). After seeing heaven, Stephen's face glowed like that of an angel (Acts 6: 15; 7:55-56).
God is in the business of changing the face of the world. This change is His job and not ours. Our goal is not to make our faces radiant. Not even Jesus did that. Matthew says Jesus’ appearance was changed, not Jesus changed his appearance.
Our goal is not to conjure up some fake, frozen expression. Our goal is simply to stand before God with complete abandon and then let God do his work. And He does. He wipes away the tears of sorrow. He mops away the perspiration from labor. He softens our furrowed brows of worry. He touches our cheeks with tenderness. He changes our faces as we worship.
But there's more. Not only does God change the face of those who worship, he changes those who watch us worship.
A Heart for Worship Draws Others to Worship
When we come to worship with a heart of worship, our passion is contagious. Paul told the Corinthian church to worship in such a clear way that if an unbeliever entered, he is convicted by all and the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25
David cites the evangelistic power of honest worship: He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord. Psalms 40:3.
Your heartfelt worship is a missionary appeal. Let unbelievers hear the passion of your voice or see the sincerity in your face, and they may be changed. When people see us giving heartfelt praise to God—when they hear our worship—they are intrigued. They want to see the face of God! Sparks from our fire tend to ignite dry hearts. Seekers may not understand all that happens in a house of worship. They may not understand the meaning of a song or the significance of the communion, but they know joy when they see it. And when they see your face changed, they may want to see God's face.
The next time you are entering into worship with God, go expecting to be transformed. Stand before Him with an open heart and pour out adoration while He pours in love, mercy and forgiveness.
Scripture to Claim:
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. Psalm 70:4
