Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-009 Sunday 13 Jan 2002

Reading: PSALM 95 – HE IS OUR GOD

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

Ask God to use this psalm to enable you to worship him today with positive excitement and joy.

While we should always beware of contrived or forced heartiness, sometimes worship just takes off and the Spirit fills you with ecstasy. Genuine worship can be both quiet and reflective and at other times, bubbling and enthusiastic. Our psalmist today is on a high and can hardly contain himself as he expresses his praise of God. You may not be feeling the same but you can at least echo his words and allow them to stir you into a better spirit of worship.

Notice that it does not express how you feel about God but how great God is. He is ‘the’ great One (v 3); he is the Rock who is totally dependable, unshakeable, rock-solid. He created, he saves and, wonder of wonders, he is our God (v 7). The very thought brings the singer down on to his knees in wonder and astonishment (v 6). Just think of it, the God of the mountain peaks is the one who cares for folk like us!

The other side of the worship coin is a much-needed word of caution (vs 8-11). Every church service should contain one. If God’s ancient people had a history of going astray and hardening their hearts, it would be surprising if his people today did not do the same. The challenge to think soberly and realistically about our failures and sins will always bring us down to earth with a bump. Only when we are at ground level are we ready to confess our sins to the great God and find the forgiveness which will lift us skywards again.

What is God saying to you today? Write it down, then go and do it.

– Bishop John B Taylor

Copyright Scripture Union, 2002

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