Real Worship

Then the singers sang, with Jezrahiah as the leader. 43 On that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy. The women and children also celebrated, and Jerusalem’s rejoicing was heard far away.

Neh 12:42-43 (HCSB)

If I were to ask you for one word that should characterize worship what would it be? Music? Reverence? Awe? Preaching? All of those things are good but I thing the best words to characterize worship are found in the above passage. Rejoicing and celebration! In our worship whether it be personal worship or corporate worship we miss the most important part. In worship we are there to rejoice and celebrate what God has done. It is a declaration to Him of our praise and adoration for His greatness. Worship is not about us (singing, preaching, etc. . .) It is all bout Him. Preaching, singing and the such are vehicles used for us to best express our rejoicing and celebration of His goodness and greatness. So next time you worship, private or public make sure that their is a spirit, a mindset of rejoicing and celebration. Wouldn't it be great for our rejoicing to be "heard far away!"