How can acknowledging God's glory influence our worship practices today? Starting With Psalm 138:5 “and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.” Glory Defined And Celebrated - Scripture presents God’s glory as His dazzling, weighty splendor—His perfection made visible (Exodus 33:18–19). - It is not abstract; it is “great,” real, and worthy of song, just as the psalm affirms. - When we accept this literally, worship stops being a routine and becomes a response to the overwhelming reality of who God is. How Acknowledging Glory Re-Shapes The Heart - Awe replaces apathy. Isaiah’s vision of the Lord “high and exalted” (Isaiah 6:1–3) moved him from spectator to surrendered servant. - Humility crowds out self-focus. The elders in heaven “cast their crowns before the throne” (Revelation 4:10–11). - Joy blossoms. “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11), and worship gains a glad, confident tone. - Obedience follows naturally. “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 96:4); praise and submission rise together. Practical Shifts In Corporate Worship - Song selection highlights God’s attributes—His holiness, power, mercy—rather than centering on us. - Scripture is read aloud with expectancy, trusting it to reveal His glory (Nehemiah 8:5–6). - Physical expressions—standing, kneeling, lifted hands—become intentional symbols of reverence (Psalm 95:6; 1 Timothy 2:8). - Testimonies emphasize what God has done, echoing “they shall sing of the ways of the LORD.” - Silence is valued, allowing hearts to ponder the greatness just declared (Habakkuk 2:20). Implications For Personal Worship - Daily life turns into a sanctuary: “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). - Scripture meditation trains the mind to spot His glory in every verse (Psalm 119:18). - Creation becomes a classroom—“The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1)—prompting spontaneous praise on a walk or drive. - Confession is swift; sin feels out of place before such majesty (1 John 1:9). - Gratitude deepens. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17), so thankfulness saturates routines. Other Verses That Reinforce The Theme - Psalm 29:2 — “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18 — “we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed…” - John 4:24 — “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” - Hebrews 12:28 — “let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe.” Bringing It All Together Recognizing that “great is the glory of the LORD” fuels worship that is: - God-centered rather than preference-driven. - Awe-filled rather than casual. - Transformative rather than merely expressive. Psalm 138:5 invites every believer—today, right now—to sing His ways aloud, because the glory that once filled Solomon’s temple now calls for residence in willing hearts and gathered congregations alike. |
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