“Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!” (Psalm 96:7–8, ESV)
Ascribe means to attribute. It means to give credit. It is to recognize God for who he is. But it is more than something we hold in our heart. It is something to declare with our lips.
Worship involves action. It is speaking. It is singing. It is lifting our hands. It is bowing down. It is offering a sacrifice. It is serving.
We know God’s words have power. God used words to create the universe (Genesis 1). The Word became flesh and brought salvation (John 1:1-5). God’s Word is sharper than any double-edged sword, judging the thoughts and attitude of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
There is no doubt God’s Words have power, but your words have power too. Do you speak in such a way that your problems are greater than your God? Or do you speak in such a way that your God is greater than your problems? The words you use shape your heart. The words you use lead to doubt or lead to faith.
Having doubt is part of being human. There are times when we declare God to be great, but may not believe it in our hearts. That’s okay because it is the Word that builds faith. As we speak it, we are speaking not only to God but to our hearts. We are encouraged by what we say. We are reminded of God’s greatness. As rehearse the wonders of our God with our lips, our hearts are lifted.
It is said that worship comes from the heart. But when the weight of the world bears down on my heart, worship becomes difficult. I may not feel that God is great. I may not feel like he is near. I may not feel his love.
But even when you may not feel worshipful – ascribe to the Lord, the glory due his name. Speak it. Declare it. Sing it. Shout it out. It may feel forced, but watch as the word declared transforms your heart. Worship is good for your soul.
This is why worship is important. It takes our vision off of the challenges that we face and puts it on the power and majesty of God. When we clearly see the power and majesty of God for what it is, our challenges seem a lot less daunting. We have a God who is greater!
Don’t know where to start? Open up a hymnal. Open up the Psalms. Turn on some Christian music. Or just start writing in a journal. Ascribe to the Lord, the glory due his name. Make it know that our God reigns.
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