dennis j adams

The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10b).  The Word also states that we should not sorrow (Neh. 8:10a).  These words go further than just speaking to us in vain words: they say that we should have the character and the emotion of joy.  As the children of God we must remember that duty and process can destroy the sense of worship and praise.  Having the sense of relationship with the Lord on a daily basis causes one to pray and worship Him with a heart that is resinous with His love and presence.   When King David brought the Ark into the City of David he danced before the Lord, for his joy was consuming him (2 Sam. 6:14).  The Person of Christ dwells within us by His Spirit and His Spirit leads us into prayer and worship.  The application of worship is to bring a person closer to the Lord in reference to every circumstance in life.  As one worships the Lord inhabits the praises that the worshipper is bringing forth from the heart (Psalm 22:3).  The difficulties of life begin to grow strangely dim in His presence.  Having been clothed in the righteousness of Christ and having been filled with His love and surrounded by His presence the heart desires to sing and shout praises unto His holy Name. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:11) This “mark” of a worshipper is that of joy and confidence that the praise is being accepted in the heart of God.  The extreme and awesome sense that the God of our salvation and the restorer of relationships is pleased with our words can only bring one true feeling into the mind and heart – JOY.  Joy has strength that can carry you over the mountain and through any valley experience.  That is why the Lord made this command part of our life every day: No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:18 NLT) As Paul communicated with the church in Philippi he made a strong statement of worship: Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! (Philip. 4:4 NLT) As a “believer” one should always remember to demonstrate the “mark” of a worshipper.  To live a life that is full of joy…yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (1 Peter 1:8 NKJV)

Dennis

Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.