2016.1.17 礼拝
誰でも気軽に集える、明るく、カジュアルな雰囲気の教会です。
2016.1.17 礼拝
2016.1.17 Psalm 22:1-12, 19-24 “Find the joy of praising the Lord -3”
Worship/Service is the best opportunity for expressing our love to God. Worship will turn into joy when we become aware that the Lord appreciates our service.
However, are we always able to enjoy worshiping week after week? There could be times when we are not in a mood to serve the Lord with happiness; especially when we are weary and stressed out from work, or sin because we don’t feel like obeying Jesus and have a guilty conscious. What should we do then?
When we read today’s Bible verse, it is quite clear that God’s desire is for us turn to God and open our mind and soul unto him whether we are happy or sad.
In other words, uplifted feelings and emotions are not of utmost importance. We can have peace and joy when we honestly open our thoughts to God and understand that he will accept our thoughts.
Verse 24 reads: “For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has he hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.” If we trust God, we should be able to call on him anytime – at times of happiness, sadness, pain or hardship.
Therefore, …
1. Call on God especially at times of suffering
Psalm 22:1-2 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me?, so far from the words of my groaning?
And …
2. Admit your weaknesses before God
Psalm 22:6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
・Don’t hide your depression
・Don’t act happy
・Don’t act that you are a mature Christian
・Don’t worry about God’s anger
Finally …
3. Mutter to strengthen relationship with God
And strangely enough, relationship of mutual trust will be strengthened.
Psalm 22:24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
