As the wind raged through the night, as I tossed and turned with various anxieties swarming in my mind, the Lord woke me up with this song in my heart…

“As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee.

I have come to cherish these hours in the dark, when it is just me and God. I often find I have so much to say to Him, but at the same time, almost no words at all! He often calls me out of the comfort of sleep, just to worship…

(To be honest, I find I am stuck in the “wait and pray… pray and wait” phase of being “called aside.” I am learning that I cannot move forward in my own strength; I cannot rush through phases on my own and expect to be victorious! I must wait on Him; patiently looking for His answer and direction.)

Through various seasons of life, I have found that without a doubt, my greatest peace, my greatest joy, my greatest and highest calling in life, is simply to worship. It brings me deep comfort to know I can find freedom, anytime and anywhere, when I worship my God. Even if my body / mind / heart fail, even when this world crumbles in darkness, and even when prayers seem unanswered, still I can hear the song of heavenly worship, and I can sing along…

“You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee”

It is here, on my knees, heart surrendered, soul crying out in worship – it is here that I can willingly let go of all expectations of others, of this world, and of myself! Nothing and no one can give me the true satisfaction and safety that is found in God alone. It is unshakable and no one can take it from me. And no one can EVER compare!

“You’re my friend
And You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything”

I wrote a poem years ago that God laid on my heart during a season of great pain. I was angry at God! I wrestled with Him, running around in circles, exhausting myself trying to rebel and refuse the path He wanted me to walk! But He never lets me wander far. He is the Good Shepherd that always comes after His sheep when we go astray. He sat me down, dusted me off, and filled my heart with worship…


Worship

That still small voice
whispers to me in hours of sweet sleep
or in the deepest darkest pain…
He tells me the answer…
He tells me to worship

 

His answer to my hidden depression…
Worship
His answer to my consuming anxiety…
Worship
His answer to my merciless pain…
Worship
His answer to my crippling anger…
Worship
His answer to my cruel loneliness…
Worship
His answer to my tired, doubting, broken heart…
Worship

 

My only rest
My only peace
My only hope
My only truth

 

Is to give myself over completely to worship…
To simply love Him more…

 

I stand, sit, kneel, bow, fall apart to adore Him
My only freedom and my deepest joy
I lay on the alter and forever, my soul will be consumed in
Worship

 


I pray today, that you will hear God calling you to worship. Will you take the time to sit at His feet and listen?

“I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye”

Regardless of our physical state, the state of our country, the state of this world – He is calling us to worship in spirit and in truth. The battle belongs to the Lord and we can find freedom, joy and peace on our knees. May this poem, this song, and this psalm bless you today as it has blessed me.

“Deep calls to deep at the roar of Your waterfalls; 
all Your breakers and Your waves have gone over me. 
By day the Lord commands His steadfast love, 
and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life…. 
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? 
Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”
~ Psalm 42:7-8, 11

 

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