Worship
Jan 6, 2021 at 9:33 AM
From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord. (Genesis 12:8)
Oswald Chambers says worship is giving God your best (whatever you treasure most, handle with care). What I consider my best, my treasures, aren’t really mine—they’re from God. What do I value most right now? My time (life), professional skills, money, children—just a few things that come to mind. I can’t offer any of these with true worship in my heart, laying them completely before the Lord. I view these as precious, as mine to earn or as my natural right. I know very well I’m not their master, yet stubbornly, rebelliously, and foolishly try to manage and control them. Thank God, in the past six months, my heart has softened a bit; I’m willing to follow Jesus, willing to return God’s gifts one small step at a time, like a clueless child. Lord, grant me the faith to fully offer up and worship completely.
Chambers also mentioned that in spiritual life, worship, waiting, and working aren’t separate stages but blend together. This is a great reminder. I’m in a “waiting” phase now. In the past, for some matter or direction, I’d start with fervent prayer, patiently waiting. But during the waiting, I’d quickly become anxious, impatient, gradually drifting away from God. A true spiritual life should combine these three. Wait in worship, and while waiting, work actively (try things out). Waiting that’s devoid of worship isn’t truly waiting on God. That’s my shallow understanding.
Today’s scripture, I don’t have much personal insight; I leaned on Chambers’ sharing to help me understand. I think this approach is fine, just like discussing difficult scripture with a mature brother nearby. This is the charm of words, I suppose.
Today I’m in Hangzhou to tend to some matters. Left at 6 in the morning, arrived by 9. Managed to do my devotional in the car during those few minutes.
Thank God:
- Thank God for giving me a wife who loves and cares for me. She massages and soothes me when I’m unwell and often listens to me talk, even when I complain.
- My relationship with Mom is back to natural conversations. Recently, she was a bit upset with me.
- With patient guidance, my son Anran can now understand addition and subtraction with three-digit numbers.