Set the World Right Again (live a life of worship)
Julie Sunne
Posted in Daily Living, Multitude Mondays, One Thousand (or more) Gifts, Worship
—
10 Comments ↓
Our relationship with God was to be intimate in all areas—fully exposed—a life of worship.
I used to think I could largely separate my spiritual life from the rest of it. Attend church, check. Tithe, check. Meal prayers, check. Bedtime prayers, check.
And it worked great. Really. Until… (By the way, there will always be an until.)
Not So Great Life
When my “until” hit—when my world tilted sideways and began to spin backward—is when I realized something was horribly missing in my life.
I felt lost and alone, confused and uncertain, devastated and hopeless.
The crazy thing was I believed in the triune God. I loved Him. I dedicated some time to Him. Still, I failed to completely surrender my life to Him. That was the problem.
I refused to fully trust the God of the universe for my strength, peace, and wisdom. I hesitated to give Him all the glory and all the honor—trying to hold onto a little for myself.
I wanted control. I wanted to call the shots and live my life. I wanted my life neatly separated into temporal living time and spiritual worship time.
So when my “until” came, I had little more than my strength to lean on. And that could not stand against the onslaught of pain and sorrow. I needed my Maker to carry me, yet I refused to let Him do so (for a time).
And my world remained terribly off-kilter. Because denying the Creator’s all-encompassing presence and role in our lives is courting chaos.
Denying the Creator's all-encompassing presence & role in our lives is courting chaos. We were not created to live any part of our lives separate from Him. Click To Tweet
Life of Worship
The Lord is a jealous God. He loves us so deeply He wants all of us.
We were not created to live any part of our lives separate from Him. Our relationship with God was to be intimate in all areas—fully exposed. A life infused with worship. A life of worship.
The Lord doesn’t only want the fringes of our lives. He doesn’t want just bits and pieces left over from the day. He loves us so much, He wants it all.
The Lord doesn't only want the fringes of our lives. Our relationship with Him was to be intimate in all areas—fully exposed—a life of worship. Click To Tweet
Let your life—your entire life—be a love song to the Lord. That’s when your world will be right again.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Romans 12:1).
Reflections: Practically, what does it look like to surrender your life to the Lord? What is the first step in doing just that?
Linking with Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience in 2013 with my Joy Dare list for Multitude Mondays (#2019–2039, read the entire list by clicking here):
- Sad tears & sweet laughter memoralizing an uncle; Youngest’s excitement at 7th-grade football; End of 1st day of school
- Badminiton & tennis in same day; A glowing report fm school for Rach; Ability to make goodies for Dan to take to college
- Interacting w/ HS seniors at a special event; Willingness of Rach’s teachers to try things for success; Walk w/ hubby
- Prolific garden this year; Working together as a family to get “it” done; Blessings (sometimes unknown) of interruptions
- Grasshopper enjoying a morning ride on my windshield; Freezing yummy sweet corn for the yr; Peaceful dark of a new moon
- God’s purposeful call on my life&yours; A day w/ ladies who passionately serve the Lord; Big bro taking little bro along
- Buckets of wild plums to add to my perserve making; Deep feeling of belonging in church this morning; Katydid serenade
Also linking with this wonderful site:
Share this:
By His grace ≈
Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
Yes! From Him and to Him and through Him are all things. What sweet words and reminders today!
Oh, to fully live that way, Julie! My life is so rich in the times I do.
Great post Julie. I struggle to fully grasp what it means to die to myself. I want to be in control and we live in a society that champions the life that makes their on way. However it is only when we give up that control and die to our own agendas that we live life that is so much more than we could have imagined. Yes we still go through struggles but deep in side Jesus provides us with real peace and joy.
Well said, Jon. Thanks for your insight.
Thank you for this touching blog! Great reminder and this was what I need today.
https://kostbaar.blogspot.nl/
I’m grateful my words ministered to you Jedidja.
I’ve learned that my undeveloped faith isn’t lack of faith. It’s a long spiritual journey and trust is always challenged, but God is always faithful. Great post Julie!
“I’ve learned that my undeveloped faith isn’t lack of faith.” Such an important truth to share, Marisa. Thank you!
I just read a book about Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Missions. His last words were,”We should trust Jesus fully.” He relied on God to cover his expenses for his medical training. He relied on God for his financial support when he was in China. He relied on God for the funds to get 22 adults and 4 children to China and into the inland provinces. I don’t believe we are trusting God enough,
I agree, Cecelia. I know I often don’t. Thanks for the inspiring story.