SCRIPTURE: Psalm (NIV) 65:1 Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. 2 O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.
OBSERVATION: I see Zion as the place where people gathered to worship the Lord. It was there they celebrated in His presence. It was there they heard the decrees and judgments of the Lord. It was there they brought their sacrifices. It was a gathering place for worshippers.
So, what is in Zion that makes God want to be present? Praise! The assembled worshippers are anticipating His arrival. Their hearts have been cleansed from sin. Their mind is anticipating His arrival. Then His presence is recognized, and what happens? The place erupts in praise! There are shouts of “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!.” There are expressions of joy, clapping and dancing. The King is present and they rejoice.
APPLICATION: Then the praise subsides, but not His presence. And in the stillness of His presence the praise turns to worship! They do not sing about Him, they sing to Him. His presence stirs in their hearts and they respond in loving surrender. He is God, Almighty. He is our dearest friend! The bride of Christ has moved from the wedding celebration into the intimacy of the bridal chamber where the relationship can reach new levels of love.
Yes, praise awaits God in our gatherings, but the psalmist did not wait until he was in Zion to praise and worship the Lord. As we read Psalms, we see that praise and worship should be a major part of our lives, wherever and whenever. Praising Him for what He has done and worshipping Him for who He is.
PRAYER: Lord, you are worthy of my praise and worship. May you enjoy your days living in me. May I always have praise in my heart ready for you. May praise always be ready to spill out of my mouth. Amen
Pastor Leon
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