Expressiveness is not one of my top qualities. I’m not one to cheer and yell loudly at sporting events. I don’t jump up and down with joy when I’m excited. Even though I might feel strongly on the inside, I just don’t necessarily express it on the outside.
But if I stay in my comfort zone as I worship and pray, I might miss out on something God has for me.
In college, I experienced an expressive atmosphere of worship that was new for me. My assumption was that it was just the college culture. Years later, I learned otherwise. I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone, to express my inward joy outwardly as I worshiped and prayed.
I clearly remember the day I hesitantly, very hesitantly, raised my hand just a little during worship. I opened my hands ever so slightly during prayer.
I felt awkward and exposed. Yet, something started to change in me. My uncomfortable step led me to realize God has more blessing in store for my heart that I can imagine.
I have no idea what your church experience is like. I have no idea what your comfort level is in expressiveness. But may I challenge you?
Try something new as you express your love for Jesus today.
Scripture is full of encouragement and instruction to express our worship outwardly.
- Clap – Psalm 47:1a “O clap your hands, all peoples.”
- Shout – Psalm 47:1b “Shout to God with the voice of joy.”
- Lift your hands – Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.”
- Kneel – Psalm 95:6 “Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
- Sing – Psalm 149:1a “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song.”
- Dance – Psalm 149:3a “Let them praise His name with dancing.”
Worship and prayer are intertwined. If we are pursuing God through 21 focused days of prayer, then worship is part of this journey.
To draw closer to the heart of God, we just might need to try something a little bit uncomfortable.
All of those actions above? They’re Biblical. King David was a man after God’s own heart. He blessed God’s Name by expressing himself in worship. In the Psalms, he calls us to do the same.
I want to be a woman after God’s heart, just like David. I decided to take God at His Word and try something a bit new in prayer and worship. I haven’t looked back.
Will you try something new today as you pursue God’s heart?
Today’s Heart Challenge:
Just try it.
Express outwardly what is in your heart.
Try something new as you pray and worship today.
Sit. Stand. Kneel. Walk around. Open your hands. Raise your arms. Clap. Sing. Shout. Dance.
Today’s Homeschool Prayer:
Marriage or Singleness
Weren’t we praying through our homeschools? Yes, but we know quite well Mom’s relationships affect the restfulness of our heart which affects the restfulness of our homeschools.
Mom, how is your heart in regards to your marriage relationship or lack thereof? Spend some time talking with Jesus about it.
Pray through the guide below and ask Him to lead you toward rest.
Seek Jesus first. He can give rest to your heart in the midst.
Write out your prayer as you evaluate, surrender and receive rest with your marriage or singleness.
EVALUATE
- Ask yourself if this area of your homeschool life is currently restful.
- Ask God to reveal any cues of unrest in your heart.
SURRENDER
- Surrender your efforts to fix the problem.
- Surrender your expectation of the outcome.
RECEIVE
- Ask God to give you grace and rest in the midst of your current struggle.
- Ask Him to give you guidance for ONE THING you can do to cultivate rest in this area.
Keep seeking Jesus first!
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