Over the past couple months, I have been preparing for a missions trip with the Young Adults. Throughout this preparation process, it has occurred to me that evangelism is only effective if we speak out of experience. Yes, we preach the Gospel. But have we experienced the Gospel? Yes, we tell people God is great. But have we experienced His greatness? Have you ever had a boring teacher throughout high school or college? What makes that teacher boring? The reason is that they are simply spitting out information; they don’t necessarily love what they are saying.
What in the world does this have to do with worship, you may ask? Everything. Consider this Scripture:
“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” (Psalm 97:1).
Before you can reflect God, you must experience God. Do you approach God out of duty or joy? Gladness or guilt? The goal of worship is not simply for us to do it, but that the nations might also be glad in God. Your life will speak volumes to unbelievers when they see that you are glad in God, no matter what you are going through.
Will you approach God with gladness this week? Is He your joy?