Worship: The Holy Exchange
Learning that Worship Isn't One-sided
I used to think worship was one-sided. Something I expressed of my own accord. Something I chose to do—and even worked-up when I didn’t feel like worshiping.
I didn’t see this as a bad thing, necessarily, but it could feel like a burden. Or shameful when I didn’t understand my lack.
While I do have a choice in where I place my attention and affection and trust, I came to realize through a journey of dark nights and desperate longing, peaceful mornings and intimate beauty: I’m not alone in my worship.
Worship is relationship.
A.W. Tozer expressed this rhythm in rich simplicity:
Worship starts with God, pierces the heart of man and then returns to the God who started it all. True worship maintains this divine cycle.
~ From My Daily Pursuit
Worship began when Yahweh released Himself into chaos and made light and life. And it begins again, each time He speaks your name. Each time you catch a glimpse or recall His faithfulness. A flow of spirit and truth, heaven to earth and back again.
“For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen.”
If your worship feels stale or strained…
May I encourage you:
Take a deep breath. Slow and intentional. Releasing, releasing, releasing whatever weighs upon you.
Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of God’s goodness and power. His wisdom and mercy.
This may lead you to reading scripture or pulling out old journals. Whether you recall someone else’s story or your own, the goal is to take the focus off of yourself and let God fill your mind and heart with truth of who He is.
Sit in this truth. Linger as He saturates you—body, soul, and spirit.
Listen. Allow time for Him to speak to you, personally. Specifically.
Receive. Let the living God fill you until you’re overwhelmed by Him.
This is worship.
When heaven meets earth and earth embraces a Kingdom bigger than itself. When my heart, my mind, my desires give way to the desires, mind, and heart of my King.
In the stillness of the night
when You whisper truths, deep to deep.In the rush of daily life
when You lead and I follow
one step at a timeWhen I catch glimpses
of Your beauty and power
and my whole being is lost in YouThis perfect, eternal, Holy exchange
is worship that satisfies both heaven and earthThe Creator and the created—
eternal harmonies
of Love, Wisdom, and PowerExcerpt from Worship: A Holy Exchange
This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship 2nd Edition
This is beautiful my friend ❤️
This is beautiful, Amy. I may print it out as a reminder. Thank you.