Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:5-8, Psalm 29:2, Matthew 14:24-33, Luke 19:35-40, Acts 3:1-10, Revelation 5:8-14
Gerard Manley Hopkins poem “God’s Grandeur” begins with the line, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God.” When we look at the world, at its mountains, lakes, flowers, birds, and trees, we see it all as God’s handiwork. His glory, His grandeur, charges all of it, causing it to hum and spark with energy. The Bible even speaks of the natural world praising God in verses like Isaiah 55:12 and Luke 19:40.
Yet Hopkins went on later to say that “…the soil / Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.” The trouble we face is that looking at the world, seeing it for what it is, is not easy. Our vision is obscured; seeing God’s grandeur is no longer our default. We sit at desks and stare at screens; we zip past the trees in our cars; we’re weighed down with stress that narrows our vision.
This is where worship as a disciplined practice comes in. Exodus 34:5–8 depicts God passing in front of Moses and proclaiming who He is, and Moses responded by bowing down and worshiping. This scene occurs after Moses asked God, “Please, let me see your glory” (Exodus 33:18). Moses knew it would be impossible to lead the Israelites without God’s presence, so he was desperate to see God’s goodness, even if the full display of it would have been overwhelming.
In Revelation 5:8–14, we get a glimpse of the heavenly throne room, where praise is given to the Lamb who was slaughtered. By His death He acquired a people, gave them new life, and gave them a vocation as priests in His kingdom. Seeing all this, all the beings in heaven sing His praises.
In these and other cases, what preceded worship was seeing. Moses saw God’s glory. The disciples saw Jesus walking on water and calming the storm. The elders and creatures of Revelation saw the Lamb. Even the lame man of Acts 3:1–10 gave his attention to Peter and John, who drew on the power of Jesus to heal him. When we see the world for what it is, and God for who He is, our hearts overflow in praise.
Hopkins made the turn in his poem to say, “And for all this, nature is never spent / There lives the dearest freshness deep down things.” At any time, it is possible to turn from the distractions and anxieties of our lives to see God’s grandeur. Hopkins’s poem focuses on the splendor of God as seen through His creation, but we can also see it in other ways: by meditating on His compassion and faithfulness, His power, and His great love that He showed in dying for us and making us His own.
In worship, we focus our attention on God. And in doing so, we see everything else—our job, our family, our city, our nation, the whole world—in its proper light as emerging from His love and bearing witness to Him.
Written by Elliot Ritzema
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70 thoughts on "Worship"
Praying for you all today!
Worship is one of of my favorite ways to draw close to God. When I am having a good day, I want to worship and when I am having a bad day, I want to worship. It reminds me that God is in control.
“The heavens declare the glory of God;” …Indiana Elaine shared this scripture passage – I love this Psalm. I often think of Psalm 19:1 when I see a sky full of stars or the fullest, brightest moon shining at night. Sunsets and sunrises are my favorites, it’s as if God takes a gigantic paint brush and swipes it across the skies! So beautiful! I often wonder if everyone sees & recognizes God’s handiwork, or is it just another sunset etc to them?
Declaring the majesty of God’s creation is in itself a form of worship, just as much as singing His praises.
At our VBS we encouraged the kids each night to be aware of their surroundings and notice all the things God created. They then would come back the next night and share what they found – which was then written on a cut out star and hung on a wall mural titled, “Creation Moments”. What a blessing to read all that they discovered!
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Have a blessed night sweet She’s.
That’s a great idea with your VBS kids!! I love looking up at the sky at night with all the stars!
We think of the importance of corporate worship, and it IS important, but every thing we do should be an act of worship to God. I think of Peter and John healing the lame man—that brought God glory as much as the service they were on their way to attend. And so I want to examine my own life to see what ways I am bringing glory to God, and where I still need work. I think the practices we are focusing on here will definitely help us all to do that. ❤️
Yes, Indeed, Amen Margaret W.
I think of the song by Mercy Me, I Can Only Imagine:
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
This helps me realize worship can take many forms. I may be in such awe of Jesus that I fall prostrate to the floor in absolute silence. Other times, I may dance, shout and sing. I pray that at all times, I celebrate His greatness with everything that is in me.
Yes so true!! I agree! I feel like I worship just ALL the time if I am fellowshipping with Him throughout the day! Sometimes I’m moving and singing, clapping and hallelujah-ing other times I’m journaling prayers, or stretching looking at nature as I am praying.
I often just think what if everyone going about their day had glorious thoughts of God as they go about–wouldn’t the world be different?!
Luke 19: 40 …
“He answered, “I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out.”
Harken my heart to an
irrefutable & irrepressible love.
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I’ve always loved that verse ❤️
Psalm 19 comes to mind: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.”
Psalms 19:1-3 NLT
I think I mentioned before, we live on a tree farm. I love walking through the trees and seeing their grandeur along with the wild life. We have a path through the trees and in the fall, I almost always see deer. My son is a hunter and has taught me to watch for deer along tree lines when driving. It is amazing how often I see them. I love creation and love to be out enjoying it. Thank you, God, for the marvel of your creation.
I love that passage!
Same..and I always look for deer on certain roads and still get excited when I spot them!
Good morning! I’m truly grateful that we can make the connection between appreciating the loveliness of nature that God has made and our times of worship because I know that when I look up into the sky and I see the blueness of it or when I am in the forest, I am filled with all an admiration for who our God is and the prayers come naturally then. And I do have to make the decision to turn the phone off and turn away from the screens and go outside and spend that time acknowledging who our Creator is and thanking Him in prayer and praise ❤️
All I have to do is look out my window to be reminded of God’s beauty. I have a spectacular view from a lake of the mountains. It never ceases to amaze me. I think it can become really easy to get caught up and not even see the beauty around us. I’m lucky that it is right in my face every morning.
I invited a friend to go to church with me a few years back. I asked her what she thought. She complained about the amount of worship that happened. I tried to explain how important it is to worship God. She never came back. And it needs to be said that it isn’t an over the top amount of songs that we sing. I think that worship brings our minds and hearts to a place to receive God’s word.
I’m sad for your friend. Praying she is drawn to seek the Lord.
I would love to see the view from your window! Can you post one on our FB page? ❤️
I know some people have made comments about our worship songs tend to go on and on (think of an Elevation song, lol) but I love that they are trying to lead us in time of worship to connect rather than just singing through songs.
We definitely have more of Contemporary put your hands in the air praise music of worship. But I love old hymns as well we open palms. Or on my knees.
I love all your comments, insights, reflections,and songs!❤️
You are worthy of it all, Jesus!❤️
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I love everything that was shared! Songs, insights, stories of your mornings and nature! I loved the poem! Going to look it up!
For me mornings are my time of worship but in the care can be come a holy place to me worshiping God! We can turn any place into a place of worship! We just have to slow down! I love looking out my front window where i have a bird feeder and watch the house finch family come to eat! It always reminds me of how He watches over my family and cares for us!
Praying for all! Remember He is worthy of all our praise no matter what we are going through!
Have a blessed day!
GOOD morning my dear She’s!
It’s been an interesting travel time and has thrown me off my schedule.
I loved today’s devotional. I truly see God daily in everything around me and see the splendor and majesty of our GREAT God! I love nature and trees, flowers, sky, landscapes, and looking at the intricacies of our bodies and how they work.
I have been reading a new book on NDE’s. And all that get a glimpse into the heavenly realm talk of the unexplainable BEAUTY and colors, and vibrancy! That nature sings and worships the Lord. It is fun to read and imagine just how much beauty and peace awaits us and that our passed on love ones are experiencing. I hope my Sav is there in His splendor.
On another note, my oldest grandson that ya’ll have prayed for over the years- Brayden, he got arrested on Sat night. (We got into town Sunday morning where all of our family is) It is heartbreaking, the circumstances that have been accumulating for years, that led to a bad result. And now he is facing serious charges and banned from his home. He gets out Thurs, I don’t know where he will go. He has nowhere except maybe to stay with us in our small RV until he can figure out something. We are only here for another week and 1/2. Praying for direction and discernment. I have talked with him and pointed him to the ONLY ONE that can help him right now and always- Jesus. Pray. And of course to let him know we love him.
I never thought writing to my butterflies I would have family that would show up on my list to write to- now I have a nephew and a grandson. Lord, help those imprisoned to find you and worship you. YOU are worthy of it ALL!!
SO many good songs to worship to as we Worship THE ONE that is EVERY THING!
My heart breaks with yours, sister. Praying each of these young men turn to the Lord. You are uniquely qualified to pray for and witness to them.
I’m so sorry, Rhonda. Lifting Brayden up to the Lord, praying this experience will open him to his need for Jesus in his heart. And praying for you, as you love him and ask God for direction.
Rhonda I will be praying for Brayden and for your nephew. People so desperately need the Lord!
Agreeing with our sister SHES! I recently watched a video with Michael Jr. visiting a prison. It brought your ministry to mind. From laughing (some trying NOT to laugh) to crying to revelation. So powerful. ❤❤❤
Good to ‘see’ you!
Oh yes!! He came to our church!! It was so fun to laugh out loud for a couple of hours!! Him and his wife are really great!!
Yes, I told Brayden he should go to “church” if he can there.
Oftentimes jail is where they find the Lord! Brandon Lake has a new song that the lyrics speak on what I usually tell our Butterflies. (love that Zac Williams and Ben Fuller go to jails to give their testimony of that life) I love the new song “Wait” as well.
The name is “How Good God Is” I think!
Thank you for the prayers.
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Praying, Rhonda, for Brayden, that these seeds you have planted will take root, preserve and lead to salvation in Jesus. Also, praying for your nephew that his heart would be softened so he could hear and respond to the Lord.
Amen!
I LOVE mornings when I have rested and slept well like today! I’ve chosen a “new” spot to sit and enjoy the sunrise and breath in the “cool” air and thank God for another day. I LOVE mornings! By the time I get to work, I have so much energy, mainly because by the time I get there I’ve been up for three hours! Seeking JESUS first thing, SPENDING time with my JESUS first thing, is and always will be not only priority, but I “crave” this time Just me and JESUS! Happy Tuesday sweet She’s.
I admire you for being able to get up so early. You sound so happy after your morning time with God. ❤️
WORSHIP is the best part of my week – whether it’s with my church community or one on One with God.
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I love what y’all have shared- not really much to add!
One benefit to living on the edge of the woods- lots of nature displaying God’s amazing artistry.
We recently watched a fawn nurse in our backyard! Our son heard the doe calling the fawn to come to her after he followed another doe and fawn to the opposite side of the yard. That really touched my heart!
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I have never read the poem mentioned in the devo. Such beautiful words. Thank you, ELLIOT RITZEMA, for leading us today! ❤
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SONG SHARE:
Chris Tomlin – Is He Worthy? (Lyric Video)
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lyric:
“Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? It is.” …
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Is He worthy of ALL blessing and honor and glory? He IS! ❤
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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My husband and I just returned from a trip to Yosemite. Truly overwhelmed by God’s grandeur and beauty. We couldn’t stop talking about it and I was constantly thanking Him and praising Him and even wondering how so many people can look at that beauty and not believe in a God.
Also, I let my dog out first thing every morning and we are blessed to live in a beautiful place so I try go outside on the porch with him, look around and thank God for his creation and where we get to live. I love this devotion and the reminder to look for his beauty all day, even as I drive to work (which is also a pretty commute). I am thankful. God gave us such a beautiful world to live in, he didn’t have to, He could have made everything black and white or just gray, yet He’s filled it with colors, flowers, trees, beautiful clouds to make glorious sunsets. Feeling grateful!!
Good to see your name dear DW. I have never been, what a view it would be in person!!
I love the words that todays author shared from the poem: “When we look at the world, at its mountains, lakes, flowers, birds, and trees, we see it all as God’s handiwork. His glory, His grandeur, charges all of it, causing it to hum and spark with energy.” I feel like that reflects my own heart and how I feel when I am out in nature and God’s beautiful creation. Being outside is a time that almost always turns my heart to worship and praise and I am often awestruck and deeply moved by the work of His hand in nature and creation. Its often easier to lift our voices and hands in worship when big things, answers to prayer or what we might see as more significant. It can be easy to overlook the everyday things that God has done and just like celebration I think we have to be intentional to train our minds and hearts to worship no matter what the situation or circumstances are. I can and should bring my heartfelt, humble worship more often – its not just for Sunday while singing praises. I am both reminded and challenged today to not rush past the importance of worshipping our awesome Heavenly Father.
…Blessing and honor and glory and power
be to the one seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb, forever and ever!…
Forgot to add a song share for today.
Worthy of it all – Ceecee Winanas❤️
also, the podcast is once again so good this week :)
Beautiful Wendy!
Love that song as well!❤️
We sang that song at church on Sunday ❤️
Worship is a natural human response to God. However, we must recognize, acknowledge God and Jesus, their worth, and their greatness.
The Holy Spirt can open the eyes of our hear “to see” as the author points out.
Michael W Smith sang this song:
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy.
Chris Tomlin:
Made To Worship
Song by Chris Tomlin ‧ 2006
Overview
Lyrics
Before the day, before the light
Before the world revolved around the sun
God on high stepped down into time
And wrote the story of His love for everyone
He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember
You and I were made to worship, you and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
You and I embrace surrender, you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be
All we are and all we have
Is all a gift from God that we receive
Brought to life we open up our eyes
To see the majesty and glory of the King
He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember
You and I were made to worship, you and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
You and I embrace surrender, you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be
And even the rocks cry out and even the Heavens shout
At the sound of His holy name
So let every voice sing out, and let every knee bow down
He’s worthy of all our praise
You and I were made to worship, you and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free, yeah
When you and I embrace surrender, you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see, you and I will see
You and I were made to worship, you and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free, yeah
You and I embrace surrender, you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be
Yeah, we were meant to be
You and I, you and I, yeah, yeah
Who we were meant to be
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I’m the one on the screen. I work from home, 4 screens. Super multitasking. Then it to an evening of helping with hmwk on more screens. And then relaxing on more screens? Where is God’s creation in that? I’ve been trying to be more intentional about the outdoors lately. Today’s reading was such good reminder to
Yes, I feel like that has where people have gone. It’s sad that screens demand our full attention. It’s not good.
Dear Jessica
I pray for less screen time.
I pray for more solo time with Christ.
Free yourself. Look up. Be amazed.
I often find myself in awe of God’s creation. Driving through green trees, watching the sunset, listening to the pitter patter of rain and thunder all spark a deep feeling of awe. Everything exists because God keeps speaking! To Him he all glory, honor, and praise!!
Yes ditto. I don’t think I take it for granted. I DO see God in everything! I love nature and the wonder of it all!!
Yes. Same Susan❤️
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Amen!
“When we see the world for what it is, and God for who He is, our hearts overflow in praise. … At any time, it is possible to turn from the distractions and anxieties of our lives to see God’s grandeur. … by meditating on His compassion and faithfulness, His power, and His great love that He showed in dying for us and making us His own.”
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So good.
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KIMBERLY Z – praying you and your fiancé will be courteous in making the wedding a reflection of who you are as individuals and a couple. That will be a gift to those who love you and want to celebrate you two.
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Praying for you and your requests
I agree! That line stood out to me, too. ❤❤❤
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Worship and celebration – do we see these as two sides of the same coin? I’m thinking celebration always includes worship, but worship may sometimes be much more sober as we come face to face with who God is….
Remembering in Ezra and Nehemiah’s time when the people wept at the reading of the Word but God redirected them to celebrate and be joyful. In several of our passages today we see worship from the posture of being prostrate on the ground!
What do you ladies think? Like Isaiah, when we come face to face with who God is, woe is me follows close on the heels of our awe and amazement!
I agree. Worship is a celebration, but also an acknowledgement of God’s holiness and my unworthiness.
I agree, Sally, and I was planning to mention Nehemiah 9, also- Ezra’s declaration of the One True God. Thanks for sharing the connections! ❤
I agree
I agree Sally B- celebration is always good (the job, the diagnosis, the child commitment to the Lord) but worship is raw and full of emotions ( the realization that we’re not worthy of the love and mercy on the Father gives)!!! What a beautiful connection!
…and God for who He is, our hearts overflow in praise.
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I absolutely love these words! They made me go all funny inside.. such beautiful truth, for sure.
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Focusing my attention on God, as I skip into my day covered in the absolute goodness of God..
God you are my God, and I WILL forever praise you with thanksgiving and gratitude in my heart, Thank you, Father God, Thank you!
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Sending much love across the pond, wrapped in thanks for all your beautiful, kind and loving messages, which I am sure, will carry me throughout the year ahead, by His grace.
much love, always..
Tina ❤️
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Happy belated birthday, Tina! I missed for a couple of days, so am late! So thankful you had such a sweet celebration with family and friends!❤️
❤❤❤ “as I skip into my day” – love that! ❤❤❤
I’m envisioning you skipping into your day. Makes me smile.
lol. I just watch my great niece skipping and told my sister that it is hard when you haven’t done it in decades…it made me laugh!
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