Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalms 103:1
This is an interesting comment on worship. “All that is within me” implies more than just a superficial form of worship that is very prevalent today among God's people. Is worship something we do on Sunday morning? Is it a response to someone leading the worship service? Is it just a superficial act of praise?
The psalmist seems to tell us about something deeper than that. It can be easy and convenient to just give an hour or two on Sunday morning or meet with friends to go to that Christian concert and call that worship. Those things can certainly be a part of our worship. Assembling with God's people is important and encouraged in His Word. However, worship should not stop at the exit of the building. It should be an integral part of our life.
Good deserves our all; “all that is within me.” We tend sometimes to want to reserve that “all” for ourselves or for something we really enjoy. Some people seem to be able to give all for their favorite sports team. No matter where they go, you know for sure who their favorite team is. Do people know wherever you go who your Lord is?
“Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1
“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” Psalms 138:1
“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1
“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalms 18:3
Our God is worthy to receive our praise. He is worthy of all of our praise. No one and no thing is ever worthy of our praise like He is. Not just some words or some singing, but true worship. Our whole heart. Everything within us. Every action of our life. Every attitude of our heart.
True worship comes from deep within us and is drawn out by a true understanding of who God is. When we begin to have a true revelation of who God is, we will be unable to do anything other than worship Him. God calls us to know Him and have a very personal and close relationship with Him.
“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne . . .” Revelation 4:10. Our worship of Him will continue throughout eternity. Let's get started now.
Gordon Crook
