The Heart of the Matter
Have you ever left church feeling like something was missing? Maybe the music didn't move you, or the sermon felt flat. It's easy to blame external factors when worship feels empty. But what if the issue isn't what's happening around us, but what's happening within us?
True worship begins long before we walk through the church doors. It starts in the quiet moments of our daily lives, in the condition of our hearts, and in our relationship with God. When we expect the service itself to generate worship in us, we're looking in the wrong place.
Think about it this way: if you went to a concert of your favorite artist but spent the whole time distracted, upset, or unprepared to enjoy the music, would the performance alone be enough to move you? Probably not. The same principle applies to worship. Our hearts must be ready to receive and respond to God.
God desires our worship, but He wants us to come prepared. This isn't about perfection—it's about intentionality. When we take time to prepare our hearts, we position ourselves to truly encounter God, regardless of the style of music or the length of the sermon.
The beautiful truth is that when our hearts are prepared, nothing can stop us from worshiping. Not a bad day, not distractions, not even our own circumstances. Prepared hearts are ready hearts, and ready hearts can worship anywhere, anytime.
Bible Verse
'Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?' - 2 Corinthians 13:5
Reflection Question
When you think about your last few worship experiences, were you more focused on what was happening around you or what was happening in your heart?
Quote
God wants us to worship, but more importantly, he wants us to be prepared to worship.
Prayer
Lord, help me to understand that worship begins in my heart, not in the sanctuary. Prepare my heart to meet with You, and show me how to come before You with intentionality and reverence. Amen.