How Do We Prepare for Worship

As I considered this question, I was drawn to the Psalm that was picked for tomorrow. When we think about preparing for worship, we usually think about what we do to get ready instead of what Christ has already done. We see it as our effort instead of realizing that we must humble ourselves before God and receive what He gives us. Back to the Psalm... chapter 32. “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” I think the first thing is coming before God with a clean heart. How is this done? In 1 John 1 it says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” We come before God and confess... He purifies us from all stains. What happens if we don’t acknowledge our sin, or worse yet, try to deny that we are guilty of wrong-doing. Back to Psalm 32, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Ignoring, walking away, or denying that sin is pure foolishness. For the believer, it begins to destroy our intimacy with God. For the unbeliever, they have become so hard of heart that they don’t recognize sin, and therefore there is not confession or forgiveness. Psalm 32 continues, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" — and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” When our heart is truly broken by our disobedience and we finally get honest with God about our pitiful state, God not only forgives us, but even removes the guilt of that sin. Psalm 32, “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” The call is for us not to run, but come to God, our hope, our salvation, and our home. Father, draw us ever near you and surround us with Your protection. Let us always seek refuge and deliverance from You. Amen