SURRENDERED WORSHIP
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: ...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 (ESV)
One thing Satan can never take from God’s children: our worship and our joy. Joy is not a fleeting emotion; it’s a divine gift from God Himself. The world may confuse happiness with joy, but happiness depends on what happens; joy depends on who God is. True joy is rooted in the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. When life’s storms rage, joy remains; it’s that quiet, steady assurance in our spirit that reminds us: God is still good, and He is still in control. Joy doesn’t mean we don’t weep or question; it means that even through tears, our hearts whisper, Father, I trust You. Worship born from joy is powerful—it’s worship that flows from a relationship. In our weakest moments, when pain tries to silence our praise, joy strengthens us to say, I don’t understand, but I will worship You through this.
People would probably describe me as outgoing, happy and optimistic. Recently, my family went through a significant life transition involving new career paths. The hardest part for me was realizing I’d have to leave behind my daily community—my friends, my comfort zone, my routine. Deep down, I knew God was calling us to take this step. He clearly paved the path, but it wasn’t the one I had planned. I wish I could say I faced the change with a smile, but the truth is, I was angry. I was sad. I cried. Yet even in tears, I felt a deep, quiet peace—the kind that comes only from the joy of Jesus. Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a season for everything—everything from laughing to weeping and dancing. Those first weeks were hard, and dancing was the last thing I felt like doing. But I chose to keep worshiping. Worship wasn’t just about me singing songs; it was about surrendering my heart daily. It shaped my thoughts, words and actions. I had to surrender my plans and my desires to Christ, to keep my heart from becoming bitter. I chose worship over worry, surrender over control, and the Lord replaced my hurt with peace and my disappointment with joy.
APPLICATION: Every season is an opportunity to worship. God doesn’t waste any moment of our story. When we choose to surrender our hearts to Him, even in uncertainty, He transforms our sorrow into strength and our pain into praise. Spend some time today reflecting on times when you chose to worship through a difficult time in your life and thank Him for His joy.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the gift of joy that no one can steal. When life feels heavy, remind me that my strength comes from You alone. Help me to worship You not just in victory, but also in the valley. Let my joy be a light that points others to Your love. Help me hold tightly to that unshakable joy today—the kind that shines brightest in the darkest places, testifying to the world that Jesus is enough. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?