In previous articles I pointed out that faith gives us the ability to see what is otherwise invisible, understand God’s wisdom, and it convinces us that what God says he will do. Faith opens our eyes to the reality and wondrous awe of Jesus, the risen Messiah King of Israel, who is Lord of Lords. Faith knows that God is sovereign over all things and is working everything out for our good and his glory.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NASB)
In addition, it follows quite logically that God is also working out everything for his own glory. The full expression of the glory of the Lord in the earth is God’s ultimate intention. (Habakkuk 2:14) Faith opens our eyes to this wonderful reality and elicits from us the desire to cooperate in the process by becoming faithful worshipers.
Combining the knowledge that God holds our lives and circumstances in his hands and is working everything out for our good and his glory causes worship to well up in our hearts.
In contrast, doubt and unbelief carp and complain. Unbelief finds fault with God and circumstances. It does not believe that God is good, loving, kind, and in control. It accuses him of allowing evil into our lives. Like faith, unbelief is known by its fruit. Faith worships. Unbelief complains.
When our eyes are opened to the reality of who Jesus is, worship will flow like a river. This is what happened to Thomas the doubter. When Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection, he cast aside his doubts and worshiped.
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:26-29 (ESV)
If you wonder whether or not you have faith, check your worship. If you are not a worshiper, you are not a believer.
Maybe you once worshiped, but perhaps you have allowed the things of this world and the distractions of life to rob you of the purity and passion of your faith. If that is what has happened to you, it’s time to repent and ask God to restore your first love.(Revelation 2:4) If you have never been a worshiper, it is time to ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord and to open your spiritual eyes so that you can see him at last. Then you will become a worshiper.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I now see clearly that worship is a sure evidence of faith. Forgive me for my unbelief. Open my heart and my spiritual eyes to know who you are in a greater way. I want to be full of faith. I want worship to flow out of my heart like a gurgling spring, a fountain of eternal life springing up from within. Holy Spirit, I repent from my unbelief and hardness of heart. Make me a true worshiper. Amen.
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" 39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39 (NASB)
