Some moments of worship are more memorable than others. Usually, those are the times when the sanctuary was full of singing. You saw hands lifted in surrender or tears swelling during prayer. Maybe it was Christmas or Easter, or when you remembered the Pentecost fire.
Those kinds of worship moments people remember for a long time.
And that is okay.
Solomon had one of those moments in 1 Kings 8. The temple had finally been completed, and the people gathered to worship. The glory of God filled the place. Solomon offered a blessing to the people that began with an acknowledgment of what God had done. To be sure, that is always a faithful starting point of worship.
In his blessing, Solomon tells the people to devote themselves completely to the Lord. I imagine that would have been an easy affirmation for the people to make. After all, they were in such a grand place for worship. But there's a phrase Solomon uses that points beyond that one moment.
He told them to devote themselves and keep God's commandments "as at this day." In other words, the desire you have right now to honor and worship God, keep it with you after this awesome moment is a memory.
Because worship is not just for holidays, sanctuaries, or even Sundays. Worship is what happens when God’s faithfulness reshapes the way we live. Contrary to the language we often use, the Spirit isn't some religious resourcemeant to offer you a powerful worship experience. The Spirit's goal is to form a worshiping people.
Now, mountaintop moments are inspiring. And we need songs that shake us awake and prayers that open our hearts. But eventually the music is over, the congregation goes home, and Monday morning comes.
And still God is faithful then.
So, let worship be the whole life you build in response to God's faithfulness.
Stay blessed...john
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