198 – The Forest Through the Trees

#FaithBites #FaithJourney Forest

When you wake up in the morning, do you create a to-do list? Does that list get bigger as the day goes on? Are you able to check off things or are more added to it? While you are doing all of the things you have to do in life, are you living life or just passing through?

Today was crazy busy at work. So many tasks to do. I was working through lunch, working during meetings, and then I came home late and guess what? I shoved down my food, mowed the grass, changed the sheets, did more work, and am now writing #FaithBites. I had a busy day but did I live today? I was surely alive, but did I live?

I don’t remember much of it except checking off the tasks. I forgot to see the beauty of the forest (life) while walking by each tree (tasks)

This led me to think about church, worship, and prayer. When you worship, are you checking off the box or are you truly worshiping?

Scripture on Purpose in Worship

• Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9
• “These people come near to me with their mouth
      and honor me with their lips,
      but their hearts are far from me.
  Their worship of me
      is based on merely human rules they have been taught – Isaiah 29:13

Reflection

Life is hectic. We check of our tasks and move to the next one. We need to remember that life isn’t the tasks we do but the experiences we have with each other. Our worship should be not with our mouths, but with our heart.  When I was in college, I went to Catholic Mass a few times. During those services, I saw people crossing themselves in a haphazard manner. It seemed to be a chore that they had to do rather than showing their faith. Likewise, I have had times when I pray before a meal and see it as something I have to do.

I hope that through this faithbite, we realize that worship isn’t something we have to do, but rather, something we get to do. We get to praise our God for everything he has given to us. He listens to our prayers and answers. This isn’t a task to check off, but rather a privilege that helps feel more connected to him. That’s a pretty awesome privilege.

Charge

For one day today, see the forest and not the trees. Take dedicated time to wholeheartedly worship. Prayer, sing, dance, read, whatever it is for you, but dedicate a few minutes to the Lord.

I will take that time and show my love of the Lord.