After focusing on Foster's inward and outward disciplines, we are now moving onto the corporate disciplines: confession and worship. Just today, my husband and I had a deep conversation about confession specifically. As we were discussing about this process of confession, we noticed that we had a tough time with this concept, because it is a vulnerable process, but we agreed that it was very needed. We reminisced of times when we confessed to someone that we hurt or asked for accountability in an area that we struggled in. We reflected on the freedom we felt and the grace that was experienced in that moment, but there was so much fear that crippled and tried to paralyze us as we took steps forward to get to that very moment of freedom.
As we spoke, we used the words confession and accountability interchangeably. Honestly, the core of confession is reaching up for help, and the beautiful gift is that the grace to start over fresh is there. I was taught in my church that in situations that you fall down and hit the floor and need help getting up, you look to the people or objects above you to reach out to receive support and help. It would not make sense to reach for something or someone that is on the floor with you, because there would be barely any stability or support to receive from that person or object. This common sense, I believe, applies to the areas we wrestle and fall in. Everyone's struggle is different, but I encourage you to reach up for help, reach up for someone that is experienced in that area, who has gone through what you have gone through and has victoriously overcome it. Don't reach down for help and try to receive support from someone that struggles or needs even greater help than you. Reach up. I really believe that God does something very powerful in the intimacy that community brings, so I encourage you to embrace it and use your loved ones around you as a resource and support.
The second outward discipline is worship. This discipline bleeds and is the heartbeat of my marriage and family. My family and my husband and I work in full-time ministry at our church. We find fulfillment and our "why", our purpose, in creating and building a welcoming atmosphere for people to experience God's love specifically through worship.
Worship is more than Christian music with a pretty lit stage with the lyrics being projected, so that everyone can sing along. Worship is a way of being, a lifestyle of appreciation. I believe that worship is not confined to only church services. It is a mindset and a mentality of appreciation. It is a conscientious positioning of the heart towards God in adoration and thanksgiving. It can happen anytime and anywhere - while you are washing the dishes, watching the sunset, embracing a loved one.
My Grandma Jo passed last night, and her passage that she would constantly rehearse when she would wake up in the morning is Psalms 103:1-5. I lived with her about 7 years ago, and being an elderly lady then, she dealt with pain and fatigue, but she would always remind to no matter what happens to worship and praise the Lord. She passed away at a 100 years old. I truly believed that she lived such a beautifully long and fulfilling life, because that woman really knew how to love her God and show Him gratitude and thanks in every way she lived. I dedicate this post to her. I pray that we can all follow her lead in the way she loved God.
You will be forever missed, Grandma Jo. I love you, and thank you for all that you have taught me and others. Your legacy will forever live on.
I encourage you today to worship God in the every-day, common tasks that we do. Thank Him for the air that flows through your lungs. Thank Him for the fact that you have a family and community that loves and supports you. There is so much to worship, adore and thank, God for.
TAKE AWAY:
1. Confession is an interchangeable process where accountability is given, so grace and growth can flow.
2. Worship is a state of being; God deserves our worship, adoration and thanks, in the everyday and monumental moments in our lives. Every moment is a gift.
MEDITATION:
“14 Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”
“1 Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;
3 Who forgives all your sins,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle.”
DAILY CHALLENGE:
1. If you are struggling in an area, I encourage you to find an accountability partner and "reach up" for help. Confide in them in an area that you desire to experience God's grace and freedom in.
2. Make a plan of action to move forward within this area.
3. Worship God in all parts of your day. Find and search the gifts God has placed in this very moment.