Our Bible study discussed Psalm 46 yesterday evening.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalms 46:1-11)
Reading that psalm reminds me that faith removes fear, I can trust in God to help me be grounded – immoveable, and that because of God I will be victorious even when life deals heavy blows. I cannot help but worshipfully praise God.
As I consider worship, I see the Bible discussing four types or styles of worship.
Four Styles of Worship:
- Ignorant Worship. Ignorant worship is worship that lacks informative direction. Worship that we think is right or acceptable, but we are not basing those thoughts or that worship on any sound (reliable) source. I am thinking about Act 17:23.
- Vain Worship: This style of worship is similar to ignorant worship, yet goes a step farther. Vain worship is completely without God’s approval, yet claims to be from God. Often this worship has a basis in tradition and not God’s word. I am thinking of Jesus’ words in Mat 15:9.
- Volitional Worship: This is worship not from the will of God, but from our own will. This worship is not only ignorant of God’s will, nor is it vain because it is simply traditional and not of God, but such worship carries the ideas of *this is what I want to do; *this is what I like; *this entertains me, etc. I am thinking Col 2:23.
- Pure Worship (a.k.a True Worship): This style of worship focuses attention on the only member of the audience (God). This style of worship consults God’s will. This style of worship flows from the heart of the worshiper. I am thinking of John 4:24.
What do you think?
– Scott
Driving Thought 
Scott,
Good thoughts on worship. The only thing I would add is “the Christian’s worship preparation.” Even though it is an Old Testament passage, Psalm 122:11 should be in every Christian’s mind prior to our assembly. “….I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”
Larry, along that train of thought, I often think about when Moses when up on the mountain and the people were to prepare to hear from God in Exodus 19:10-11. the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.”