READING: Ecclesiastes 5-8
Today we go to worship with the people of God. We will fellowship, sing, rejoice, and talk together. We will follow rituals that are unique to each of our specific churches such as weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper, a fellowship/handshake time, a familiar closing hymn. Those of us who are privileged to worship God freely should praise the Lord with God’s family today.
When I read the words of Ecclesiastes 5, though, I sense a need to approach worship today with even more reverence. In fact, here’s what I’m thinking about this morning as I prepare to go to our church:
- I need to approach God with great reverence: “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God” (Ecc 5:1).
- I must listen more than simply go through the motions of worship: “Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools” (Ecc 5:1). As I hear my own pastor today, I would be wise to listen intensely.
- My response to God’s Word must be thoughtful, deep, and genuine: “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God” (Ecc 5:2).
- I need to listen first and speak little — something hard for a preacher to do — realizing that God reigns, and I’m just His follower: “God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few” (Ecc 5:2).
If I’m honest, I am so accustomed to leading worship that I don’t think enough about my own heart. Today, one of the few Sundays when I’m not preaching, I need to hear well. May God help me to listen and respond with all of my being.
ACTION STEPS:
- Use the list above to prepare your own heart for worship.
- Be careful about making any commitments to God today. If you do make a commitment, keep it. Fully. Quickly. Without compromise.
PRAYER: “Lord, I want to approach You today in the right spirit. Melt me as needed to get me ready for worship.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ecclesiastes 9-12