We are called to worship at all times: on mountaintops, in the valleys, in the land of promise, and in the wilderness.
For you, the wilderness may be a financial drought, or maybe physical, emotional, or spiritual. These seasons are not usually the direct result of sin but rather a God-ordained time for you to learn more about His character and will for your life.
You are not alone. People throughout the Bible have gone through wilderness seasons: Job, Elijah, Paul, and Jesus, many of whom were righteous and blameless. Yet they still showed us how to grow closer to God through it all.
And that’s what the Devo Writers in this collaboration hope to do.
You will be inspired by this month long, daily devotional from multiple best-selling authors and some new writers! Join these Devo Writers as they share personal stories what worship means to them. Imagine what it can mean for you to grow in your understanding of praise to God. That's the promise these writers make if you will be bold enough to get the book and study these truths.
*If you’re wanting to be a Devo Writer, there’s always room for more in upcoming collections! (More info in the book)
⚠ This collection is formed with various authors around the world. The viewpoints of each author do not reflect those of everyone involved. We differ on some theological issues, but our goal is to come together—despite those differences—to share messages that challenge us to be faithful to Christ.
(A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS AFTER PRODUCTION AND MARKETING GOES TO THE CHRISTIAN RELIEF FUND)
*THIS IS ANOTHER BOOK IN THE DEVO WRITER CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONAL COLLECTIONS SERIES THAT CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER.
The various perspectives and each author sending their best writing makes this a powerful collaboration.
The song begins. A guitar plucks out a riff I love that tells me my favorite song is being played. Several emotions flood in, memories of previous worship experiences and times God has spoken to me through these words.
Something sparks in me…
“Should I raise my hands?”
I open an eye to peak and see no one else in the room with their arms up. “Maybe when it gets to the big part near the end?” I decide and close my eyes, fighting the urge to sway for some reason.
As the chorus moves into a soaring bridge, I shout sing the words…and peak around again. Still no one is raising their hands. But I want to. More than that, I know I should—a glimpse of obedience before I know what obedience is. There’s something on the inside wanting to be evident on the outside, the deep in me calling out to the deep of God.
“Let’s do this slowly.”
I lift my hands past my pockets and hold them out like I’m waiting for a gift or maybe offering one. We’re only at the second verse, still plenty of time. My wrists are surprisingly heavy, like they’re shackled with marine-grade chains attached. The higher I lift, the more thick links I pull off the ground, and the harder it gets. “What will people think? Especially if I’m the only one doing it?”
But I can’t help it. I want my God to know I worship Him. It’s in the words I’m singing, to raise my hands, and in the Word I’ve been reading. I see it all over the Psalms how people praise with such fervor. Why wouldn’t I do the same? My integrity won’t let me keep my hands down, and my God deserves my unashamed worship, regardless of what others may think!
The big singing moment is nearly over, so I’m about to lose my chance to truly express myself in worship…like last week or even through the last song. I won’t miss my chance to show my love and adoration to God in the sight of men, not again!
I thrust my hands into the air as high as they can go. The shackles break and the chains fall. The momentum of my obedience pulls my body off the ground until I’m on my tippy-toes, stretching everything I have to glorify and honor my King, my Savior, my God.
“And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.” —Acts 16:26 (ESV)
Lord, King of my heart, help me to be praise You openly. Pass Your courage to me so I can worship boldly. Break the chains of those around me as we worship You together. Let my fervor be an example and an inspiration, but let them see Your power at work through it all, not mine.