How Magnificent.

So. the new reading plan for LHBC college ministry is to read through the Psalms.

There are a few that have jumped out and blessed me with a TON of comfort.

I already had a goal to try and redefine what i consider to be worship. And it was also interesting that I have recently been wanting to find a reading plan to go through the Psalms (it's not as easy as Proverbs - 1 a day..). But right as Matt said.. Redefine worship.. i was writing the exact words on my paper of notes. So it's just awesome how the Lord works and answers simple desires and interests.

So. things I have learned & been reminded of about worship:

It is embracing God and the purpose He has given us.

It is recognizing God is supreme and in control.

It is realizing God is revealing Himself to us (through many different ways - nature, people, His word, and situations we go through).

It is ultimately giving God glory.

A beautiful picture of genuine worship: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and his wonderful works for the human race. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and announce His works with shouts of joy." - Psalm 107:21-22

A few more things have been such a blessing in some hard times that have come up - things that Satan has tried to use to get me down.. things that I didn't know could bother me... or make me weak (God is my strength and refuge).

Psalm 3:3-5 But Lord, you are a shield around me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and He answers me from His holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.

Psalm 4:7-8 (A Night Prayer) You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.

The most comforting thought is that the Psalms I have read so far deal with nature and how God protects us. The God.. who created the nations.. is our refuge. Surely, He will be our protector. our shield around us. He will answer us when we call. That to me, is a very precious promise.

It is because of these promises that we need to proclaim, "Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth."