The Heart Of Worship

Daniel 10:11,12

And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.

Today we’re going to talk about worship. It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to understand God's will and God's plan. The angel addressed Daniel by name and told him that he was greatly loved in heaven.

I want to tell you today that if you understand Daniel's principle and if you have the right attitude before the Lord, the very first day that you apply your heart with humbleness to understand God's plan answers will be sent from heaven.

The angel told Daniel! "I have come because of your words" but there was an attitude of worship in the heart of Daniel that had this messenger deployed from God's armies down to Earth with an answer from The Lord. Words without worship will not trigger heavenly answers. Your heart must be in right standing with God in order to take the words of your prayers to the Holy of Holies.

Illustration

There is a great lesson to be learned from the dictionary. When things start going bad, we often fear they will only get worse. It seems that "worse" will take us to the "worst". To prevent the "worse" from turning in to the "worst" look at the unique set up God has provided in the English language. Any standard dictionary will separate the words "worse" (and it’s derivatives) and "worst" with one special word – "worship." When circumstances seem to be slipping in the wrong direction, remember that worship is the buffer between "worse" and "worst".

A. You were planned for God’s pleasure.

“You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11)

1. The first purpose God gave you is to bring Him pleasure. He made you with the idea of enjoying you: your personality, your ideas, your appearance, and everything unique about you.

2. When you realize that God takes pleasure in you, you realize that you are significant. You don’t have to impress anyone, including God. He loves you and greatly desires to be with you.

3. We call this pleasure that we bring to God “worship.” Jesus said, “The Father is looking for anyone who will worship Him that way”

John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.

B. We can describe what worship is not.

Illustration: Gordon Dahl said, “Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, work at their play, and play at their worship.”

1. Worship is not just music or a style of music. Many people confuse worship with music or singing the “slow songs.” Worship, however, is a lifestyle of bringing pleasure to God, whether it is by singing, praising, or even working as you commune with Him. If you limit worship to where you are, the minute you leave that place of worship you will leave your attitude of worship behind like a crumpled-up church bulletin

2. Worship is not for your benefit. Worship is not intended just for what you can get out of it or how good it can make you feel. The intent of worship is for God to receive pleasure from your passion and commitment to Him.

3. Worship is not a part of your life—it is your life. Every step and every activity of your life should involve worship. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the kitchen, at work, on the road, or in the prayer room. Worship should be the focus of all your life.

C. The heart of worship is surrender

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

1. Paul, in speaking to the brethren, said, “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Worship, according to the Bible, is the surrender of your will for God’s pleasure.

2. Beginning with Abel’s and Noah’s sacrifices, God “smelled” the aroma of a surrendered victim. Imagine His great pleasure when He saw Abraham’s willingness to surrender his son, Isaac. The ultimate sacrifice, Jesus’ offering on the cross, was a “sweet-smelling savor” to God (Eph. 5:2 ).