What do you think of when you imagine yourself worshipping God in Heaven? For a long time, I envisioned standing around singing praises to God. I still believe we will all sing praises to Him (maybe even while playing those cliché harps), but (and that’s a big but) we will worship God in many other ways as well.
Reading the book Sacred
Pathways by Gary Thomas reminded me that people worship, or connect with,
God in different ways. Gary came up with nine categories of worship approaches.
Singing is one way to worship, but people show God how they love Him in many
forms. Your appreciation for God may be at its highest while quietly meditating
on Him, surrounded by the majesty of His creation. It’s hard to imagine God taking
away your favorite way to honor Him when we get to Heaven and forcing you to
only sing to Him.
In Heaven, I’m sure King David will sing psalms to God with all
his might while playing his lyre. Moses may walk around New Earth praising God
for his provision and beauty. Elijah may find a tall mountain where he can be
alone with God in a cave thanking Him for all He has done. Luke may explore New
Earth while praising God for His intricate design. Tabitha may show her love
for God by doing all she can to help her brothers and sisters in Heaven.
How do you currently praise God and express your love for Him?
How will you worship God in Heaven? Will you marvel at His new
creation while thanking Him for it? Will you find a quiet spot to meditate on
the greatness of God while expressing your love for Him? Will you make as much beautiful
noise as you can, doing your best to express the love exploding out of you?
Will you dance for Him? Will you examine all He has made and marvel at his
wisdom and power? I believe there will be souls in Heaven doing all these
things.
Here on Earth, everything we do (and I literally mean everything)
is tainted with our selfishness. The degree varies, but even our righteous acts
are like menstrual rags (Isaiah 64:6) in their purity. This selfishness applies
to how we worship God as well. We may go to church on Sunday morning, but, oh,
it would have been nice to have slept longer or to have relaxed at home
instead. We may take a meal to the woman who just had surgery, but, in the back
of our minds, we wish it hadn’t cost so much or taken so long to prepare. We
may share the gospel with an unbeliever, but we walk away feeling proud of
ourselves. Just as Isaiah said, even our best acts are tainted.
It will be impossible to have pride or selfishness in Heaven
because those are sinful feelings. Our worship of God will finally be pure and
without taint. Not only will we be in His presence, but our connection to him
will not be hindered in any way!
You will be able to worship God in Heaven in your favorite way with
no barriers.
Psalm 119:12-16, Isaiah 64:6; Romans 1:20
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