This morning I was very tempted just to stay home in anticipation of bad weather. Instead, I braved the gloomy skies and headed out to church. I was so blessed to participate in praise and worship and be reminded of how great and good our God really is! There is something refreshing about praising God and taking the focus off of myself and putting it on my Creator instead.

I want to start off this year by talking about why praise and worship is so important to me.

Praise and worship takes the focus off of me and puts it on God instead.

I confess. I truly am a self-centered person. I think about me a lot. I think about how things impact me. I think about my feelings and my reactions to things that happen in my life. And I think that is pretty typical of most people I know. Without consciously intending to do so, we are pretty self-centric. When I am participating in a time of praising God and worshiping Him, it puts my life in perspective. The time of praise in music, the participation in a time of communion, the listening as God’s Word is put forth and dissected for our edification . . . it all puts the focus on God and not on me. And every time I am blessed.

Praise and worship helps me lay down my burdens and cares.

When I focus on my praise for God, I forget about the bad day I may be having, the woes of a rough week at work, or the challenges of daily life. Worship helps me to remember that all of these things are temporary and more important things exist. Worshiping God helps me remember that my relationship with Him is the number one thing in my life.

Praise and worship helps me see a broader picture.

Participating in worship and praise with other Christians reminds me that the church is not just for people “like me.” It is for everyone. As I sing songs that have been written by a variety of people, I have a sense of connection in knowing other Christians around the world are also worshiping and singing in praise. As I listen to God’s Word, I realize that it is for everyone. I think about those I know serving in Africa, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, and New Zealand, and I realize we have a common bond in Christ.

Praise and worship points me to the future and eternity.

This morning one of the songs we sang gave me goose bumps as I sang the phrase, “He shall return in robes of white, the blazing sun shall pierce the night, and I will rise among the saints, my gaze transfixed on Jesus face.” Worship reminds me of my hope in Jesus. It reminds me that this life here is just temporary and better things are to come. It reminds me that some day I will live in the presence of God and will join the multitudes in praising my Creator.

I hope I can always see the wonder and joy in praise and worship of my Heavenly Father. May this year be blessed for you as you contemplate the joys of praise and worship.

Psalm 28:6-8; Psalm 68:4-5; Psalm 96:3-5; Ephesians 1:3