Arriving at the Summit: Day 4
Day 4: The Inseparable Pair: Worship and Joy
Devotional
Have you ever noticed how joy and worship are intertwined? They're not two separate experiences but two sides of the same coin. When we truly worship God, joy naturally rises within us. And when we experience spiritual joy, it inevitably expresses itself in worship. This connection reveals something profound about our relationship with God. As John Piper observed, God's pursuit of praise from us and our pursuit of joy in Him are actually the same pursuit. God isn't an insecure deity demanding applause to boost His ego. Rather, He invites our praise because He knows it's the pathway to our deepest joy. When we declare God's greatness, something happens within us. Our perspective shifts from our problems to His power. Our focus moves from our limitations to His limitlessness. And in that reorientation, joy emerges. Romans 5 reminds us that even in suffering, we can rejoice because we know God is working through our trials. This isn't shallow happiness dependent on circumstances, but deep joy rooted in who God is and what He's doing. Today, if joy seems distant, try blessing the Lord. Lift your hands and declare His goodness, even if you don't feel like it initially. As you bless Him, you may find His blessing—and the joy that comes with it—beginning to flow back to you.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand,
and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. - Romans 5:1-2
Reflection Question
When have you experienced joy rising within you as a result of praising God, even in difficult circumstances?
“When we bless him, we experience his blessing.
When we praise him, joy rises in our hearts.
Our worship and our gladness are inseparable.”
— Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Lord, when joy seems elusive, help me begin with praise. As I bless Your name, realign my heart with the truth of who You are. Let my worship and my gladness flow together as I focus on Your unchanging goodness rather than my changing circumstances. Amen.