Finding Orientation in Worship: The Power of Psalms
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Profound Experience of Being Lost
- Finding Orientation in Worship and Chapel
- The Role of Worship in Shaping Our Identity
- Understanding the Concept of Worship
- Worship as a Common Practice
- The Dangers of Worshiping the Wrong Things
- David Foster Wallace's Insight on Worship
- The Psalmist's Return to Truth and Orientation
- Psalms of Orientation and their Significance
- Psalms of Disorientation: Navigating Through Difficult Seasons
- Learning from Jesus' Experience of Disorientation
- The Importance of an Undivided Heart in Worship
- The Path of Salvation and the Work of the Holy Spirit
- Seeking Wisdom and Guidance in Times of Disorientation
- Embracing New Orientation and Singing a New Song
- The Power of the Psalms in Shaping Our Faith
- Conclusion
The Profound Experience of Being Lost
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt completely lost? It can be an incredibly frightening experience, one that leaves you feeling disoriented and unsure of where to turn. In the movie "Lion", based on a true story, we witness the journey of a five-year-old Indian boy who, after falling asleep on a train, wakes up alone and far away from home in Calcutta. Unable to communicate or even remember where he came from, he must navigate the unfamiliar streets of Calcutta at such a young age. This powerful story serves as a reminder of just how unsettling it can be to lose our sense of direction and familiarity.
Finding Orientation in Worship and Chapel
At Biola University, the importance of finding orientation in our lives is recognized. As we come back for another semester and gather to worship, we are reminded of the role that worship and chapel services play in helping us navigate through life. It is through worship that we find a sense of belonging, grounding ourselves in what is real and meaningful. Worship serves as a compass that keeps us from getting lost, redirecting us toward the true essence of life itself.
The Role of Worship in Shaping Our Identity
Worship is not just a religious practice reserved for believers. It is a fundamental aspect of being human. In a commencement address given by David Foster Wallace, he astutely points out that everyone worships something, regardless of their faith or lack thereof. Worship, in its broadest sense, is a universal human experience. It is what we have in common with non-believers. Whether it is money, power, beauty, or intellect, we all have something that we prioritize and value above all else.
Understanding the Concept of Worship
Worship goes beyond mere admiration or reverence. It involves a deep devotion and surrender to someone or something. We become what we worship, shaping our identity and values based on where we place our ultimate trust and allegiance. If we worship external things such as wealth or physical appearance, we are bound to never find satisfaction or contentment. These things will always leave us wanting more, never truly fulfilling our deepest longings.
On the other hand, if we choose to worship something greater than ourselves, something that offers love, life, and true meaning, we will find a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Worshiping the one true God, who loves us unconditionally and offers us abundant life, frees us from the grasp of other idols and prevents them from consuming us.
Pros:
- Worship provides a sense of orientation and grounding in life.
- Worship helps us prioritize what truly matters.
- Worshiping the one true God leads to a life of fulfillment and purpose.
Cons:
- Worshiping the wrong things can lead to dissatisfaction and never-ending desires.
To truly understand the power and significance of worship, we must turn to the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 86. In this psalm, the Psalmist returns to what he knows to be true, acknowledging God's forgiveness, goodness, and greatness. The language used in this psalm echoes other psalms of orientation, reminding us of the importance of grounding ourselves in the truth and reliability of God.
Psalms of Orientation and their Significance
Walter Brueggemann, an Old Testament scholar, categorizes the psalms into three major types, one of which is psalms of orientation. These psalms serve to orient us toward what is real and life-giving. They evoke a sense of well-being and gratitude, reminding us of God's faithfulness and the constancy of His blessings. Psalms of orientation tell us that God is reliable, and his word provides coherence and order in the world.
It is through these psalms that we find a sacred canopy, a sense that all is well and that God is in control. Like sailors relying on stars to navigate, we can trust in the unchanging truths of God to guide us through the changing circumstances of life.
Psalms of Disorientation: Navigating Through Difficult Seasons
However, life is not always characterized by a sense of orientation. There are times when we find ourselves in seasons of disorientation, where everything seems to be falling apart, and we struggle to find our way. These are the moments when psalms of disorientation come into play. They give voice to our anguish, hurt, and suffering, allowing us to pour out our honest prayers and cries for help.
In Psalm 86, we see the psalmist clearly in such a period of disorientation. He pleads with God to hear him, to save him, and to show him mercy. The psalmist feels surrounded by enemies, and his life is in danger. This psalm reflects the raw emotions and desperate longing for rescue that often accompany times of disorientation.
During these times, we may find ourselves questioning the truths and promises we once held dear. We wonder if God is truly near, if He delivers, and if His wisdom is worth following. It is in these moments that we need to bring our doubts and questions to God in worship, seeking His guidance and strength to navigate through the uncertainty.
Learning from Jesus' Experience of Disorientation
Jesus Himself experienced a profound moment of disorientation on the cross when He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). In this moment, Jesus allowed Himself to fully enter into the human experience of disorientation, feeling abandoned and uncertain. Yet, even in His darkest hour, He trusted in the path of salvation, knowing that His Father's plan would ultimately triumph.
Jesus' example teaches us that in times of disorientation, we can find hope and reassurance by embracing the path of salvation. Like Jesus, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness and wisdom, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart. The Holy Spirit, who empowered Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, is also available to empower and guide us in our journey through disorientation.
The Importance of an Undivided Heart in Worship
In Psalm 86, the psalmist asks God for an undivided heart and a teachable spirit. These requests reflect a desire to fully commit to the path of God as a way of life. An undivided heart is one that is solely focused on worshiping God and seeking His guidance. It is a heart that is not swayed by the temptations and distractions of the world.
Having an undivided heart in worship means surrendering ourselves fully to God, allowing Him to shape and mold us according to His purposes. It means letting go of our own desires and priorities and embracing His will for our lives. This commitment allows us to cultivate a fear of God, not in the sense of being afraid, but in the sense of acknowledging His greatness and sovereignty.
The Path of Salvation and the Work of the Holy Spirit
The psalmist's request for God to teach him His way and to rely on His faithfulness highlights the importance of the path of salvation in worship. The path, also referred to as the way, is a journey that leads us to life and rescue. It is not just about following a set of rules or guidelines, but about embodying the principles of righteousness and goodness that God has revealed to us.
Walking the path of salvation requires the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit breathes life into our lives, guiding us on the path of wisdom, truth, and righteousness. As we seek God's guidance and rely on His faithfulness, the Holy Spirit enables us to make wise choices and live according to His will. This journey is not always supernatural or miraculous; it often involves embracing natural means such as seeking wisdom from others, developing virtues, and relying on prayer.
Pros:
- Embracing the path of salvation leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
- The Holy Spirit empowers and guides us on the journey of worship and obedience.
- Seeking wisdom and guidance from others is an essential part of navigating through disorienting seasons.
Cons:
- The path of salvation may require us to let go of our own desires and priorities.
Seeking Wisdom and Guidance in Times of Disorientation
In times of disorientation, it is crucial to seek wisdom and guidance from trusted sources. This can include seeking professional advice, turning to mentors or wise individuals in our community, and engaging in prayerful reflection. The Holy Spirit often uses these natural means to lead us back to a place of orientation and understanding.
It is also important to find a community of believers who can offer support and encouragement during times of disorientation. Whether it be through discussions, counseling, or simply being present with one another, the body of Christ plays a vital role in helping us find our way back to God and His truth.
In these moments, we must hold fast to the truths we have learned during seasons of orientation and allow the Holy Spirit to bring them to life in our hearts. This process may take time and involve a mix of natural and supernatural means, but ultimately, it leads us back to a place of trust in God's faithfulness and guidance.
Embracing New Orientation and Singing a New Song
As we navigate through seasons of disorientation with the help of the Holy Spirit, we may eventually find ourselves in a place of new orientation. These are seasons characterized by surprise, joy, and the breakthrough of light in the midst of darkness. In these moments, our faith is deepened, and we gain a new understanding of the truths we have held onto.
Just as the psalmist proclaims in Psalm 40, a new song is put into our mouths. This song is a hymn of praise to God, a testimony of His faithfulness, and an invitation for others to trust in Him. Our experiences of disorientation and reorientation become part of a larger story of God's redemption and transformation.
The power of the Psalms lies in their ability to give voice to the full range of human emotions and experiences in the context of worship. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, and they provide a framework for bringing our pain, doubts, and questions before God. Through the Psalms, we find comfort, guidance, and a renewed sense of orientation as we journey with God.
Conclusion
Being lost in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties can be a disorienting experience. However, worship and the Psalms provide us with a path toward orientation and understanding. By embracing the truths of worship, seeking wisdom from others, and relying on the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate through seasons of disorientation and find ourselves singing a new song of praise.
Worship directs our hearts toward what is true and real, shaping our identity and values. It is through worship that we become who we were created to be, finding fulfillment and purpose in our relationship with the one true God. So let us continue to gather together, orienting ourselves in worship, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us on the path of salvation.
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