Problems Are Opportunities

“Worship;” it’s such a common word. But what is worship really. Specifically, in the midst of grief, what does worship look like?

Subtle Contrasts

Let’s start with some subtle contrasts.

In cry, you cry out for God’s help; in worship, you cry out for God.

In comfort, you receive God’s strength; in worship, you experience God.

In wailing, you long for heaven because you’re tired of earth; in worship, you long for God because you miss Him.

In weaving, you glimpse God’s perspective; in worship, you glimpse the face of God.

Worship While Grieving

So what is worship in the context of suffering?

Worship is wanting God more than wanting relief.

Worship is finding God even if we don’t find answers.

Worship is walking with God in the dark and having Him as the light of our soul.

Terri’s Story: “Not Everything’s Perfect!”

A while back I received an email from Terri (see previous posts in this series). She began with words I’m sure she typed with a smile.

“Guess what? Not everything’s perfect at our new church.”

I smiled knowingly as I read her first line.

She continued, “But God is. God is perfectly beautiful. Perfectly holy. Perfectly in control. Perfectly good.” Terri is glimpsing the face of God. She’s worshipping.

Every problem is an opportunity to know God better and our primary battle is to know God well. Thus in suffering leading to worship, we ask a core soul care question, “How are these problems influencing your relationship to God?”

Problems can either shove us far from Him or drag us kicking and screaming closer to Him.

Worship and the Word

Join the journey again tomorrow as we explore worship from God’s Word.