“Beware of seeing yourself through other people’s eyes … It is much more real to see yourself through My eyes … untainted by sin … eternally loved. Respond to My loving Presence by worshiping Me in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23

Jesus Calling-Sarah Young

I know someone who absolutely must close his eyes during worship.  He cannot focus on the Lord if he begins to look at others worshipping around him …
For me, focusing on Jesus is not quite so difficult in a room full of people, however, I commend the sentiment.
Closing one’s eyes to ensure complete devotion to Christ during worship is one way to throw all distractions away and place your heart where it belongs.
I love worshipping God.  It’s my favorite thing to do.  There is no place I’d rather be than in His sweet Presence … Why is that?  Why is it that I feel so wonderful, so complete, so in awe when I worship?
Well, in my heart at least, I feel as if I am right before The Lord’s Throne when I lift my hands, sing, and bow my head to God.  There is something sacred and beautiful about those moments when you can almost tangibly feel God reach His hand down from Heaven and grab hold of your heart.  There is nothing like it in all the world and there is never enough you can say to Him to make Him know how grateful you are for all He has done …
Yet, unfortunately for many, worship can turn from something real, personal, and genuine into something they do to perform for another’s benefit.  Sometimes Christians find themselves in a position of not being able to worship at all because of the opinions of men. The fear of being “awkward” or disliked by others keeps them in “bondage” when it comes to true worship.
The devil often takes time we should be basking in the Presence of Jesus to place doubts and fears inside of us.  He knows the more focused we  become on the viewpoints of others and trying to please them … the more sidetracked and miserable we become!
This world can offer thousands of distractions that lure us away from focusing on the One who knows us best.
And when we turn a time to gaze at Christ into a time to gaze at ourselves, we inadvertently turn worship into idolatry.  We make our flesh comfortable and decide to toss the opinion of our Creator to the side.
Worship blesses the heart of God only when it is done in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.
He has angels to praise His name day and night; it is all they know to do … But what sets us apart, is the fact that we choose to adore Him.  We make a decision to place Him high up, where He belongs and bless His name.
Not out of obligation, but out of complete reverential Love.
Worshipping is not complicated; it is that moment when in your heart you decide that you are nothing without Jesus and you understand all He has graciously done for an imperfect person like you.
It does not have to be fancy or crazy.  But it must be REAL.
CHOOSE today to set aside man’s opinions and even your own on what worship “looks like” and break the chains the devil has attempted to hold your spirit down with.  He cannot win unless you let him …
Catch the Wave,
Victoria