Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Private Worship

 

PRIVATE WORSHIP

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

The document referred to here is the one forbidding worshiping anyone other than the king who ruled the land in which Daniel lived. He knew the punishment for disobedience was death. Yet, he immediately went into his own room, dropped to his knees, prayed and worshiped God as if it were any other day. No manmade law was going to discriminate against his love for his God.

Nor should we allow the dictates of this world in which we live to deny us the privilege of meeting God in prayer, of thanking Him and worshiping Him in our own homes. 

He knew they would be coming for him; he didn't care. Like water off of a duck's back, the cares of the world were nothing to him: he was in the presence of his God and they were communing together: friend with Friend.

Have we lost that intimate relationship with God? Did we ever have it to begin with? Which half of the ten virgins waiting for their Bridegroom are we in? Is there Oil in our lamps or have we let the wick burn out and the oil run dry? 

Or is our relationship stronger than ever? Are we in constant communion with God? Have we allowed the Holy Spirit to mold us into pliable, loving servants of God? 

These are questions that must be answered on an individual basis. And privately, in our secret place, on our knees in prayer with God, thanking Him for Who He Is, how He works and His great love for us; worshiping Him from deep within our hearts and not just singing along to the worship music that might be playing while we meet Him.

Someday we will all meet God face to face. For some it will be the first time and the last time. For others it will be meeting an old Friend and coming home at last to rest.