“I wonder what God wants me to do?”
“Lord, how can we reach our neighbors with Your good news?”
“How can we ever get out of this mess, Lord?”
“How can I worship when I’m too confused and upset to sing?”
“Is there any correlation between the act of worship and receiving God’s guidance?”
“Why does worship seem to open the portals of Heaven?”
“Is it possible to worship God without saying a word?”
These questions, and others like them, seem to rise up within us at times. We somehow know there’s a Divine connection between worship and guidance, but we’re afraid to actually step out and commit to it. So, we bounce around throughout life wondering if we’re really doing God’s will.
But God has a better way!
Many know this verse: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14 ESV), but struggle discerning the Spirit’s voice. But to the one whose heart is fixed, set on worshipping God, the Spirit’s guidance can, and will be, recognized.
Worship and submission go hand in hand.
The one who submits to the Lordship of Jesus, and His every desire, is one who knows something about true worship.
Remember the question Jesus asked, ““Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46 ESV)
Why, indeed?
This may sound rather strong, but the worshipper should be prepared to obey the One they claim to worship.
Notice these verses:
“Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down…” (Acts 13:1-4 ESV).
Five leaders ministered to the Lord. As they worshipped and sought God, the Lord spoke to them. How? Scripture doesn’t say, but it probably was NOT an audible voice. It was more than likely a manifestation of one of the gifts of the Spirit, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. However the Holy Spirit chose to speak, the message was clearly received and obeyed.
Same thing happened in 2 Chronicles 20. Trouble came, the king called the people together for prayer, and God spoke as the Spirit moved upon someone in the congregation. Obeying the Word of the Lord, the people experienced a fantastic, miraculous victory!
And we must not forget Father Abraham heading to the mountain of the Lord’s provision, to worship God through obedience (Genesis 22).
Worship and guidance flow together; just as God has designed. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
The Lord is worthy of all worship and praise. Worship is a natural expression of someone in love with Jesus, and who is committed to His cause. So worship Him with your whole being, and watch Him direct your paths.
Jan Grace 