Worship Wednesday: Actions Stir Affection
Eugene Peterson, the late pastor-of-pastors once wrote a compelling book titled, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction”. It is, other than his commentary on the Bible, his most popular work and well worth the read. Perhaps you have read it. It is not a book with “worship” in the title, but as it explores a life-long pursuit of Christ, it naturally addresses worship throughout. One passage particularly stirred my thinking. I share it here as an encouragement for the days, especially when we are helping lead the worship service, when we don’t feel like it; when our sin overwhelms, fatigue sets in, or doubt pervades. In those moments, as we often sing in Catalyst, we can “choose to praise” and it is no fake thing – it is an action that informs the heart. Let’s find comfort in Peterson’s timely reflection below:
“We live in what one writer has called the “age of sensation.” We think that if we don’t feel something there can be no authenticity in doing it. But the wisdom of God says something different: that we can act ourselves into a new way of feeling much quicker than we can feel ourselves into a new way of acting. Worship is an act that develops feeling for God, not a feeling for God that is expressed in an act of worship. When we obey the command to praise God in worship, our deep, essential need to be in relationship with God is nurtured.” – (Peterson 48).
Whatever you are feeling or experiencing this moment, if ever you placed your faith in Christ, choose again to worship and trust that the God of the universe will nurture your heart.
Further reflection: Read and reflect on Isaiah 40:28-31