Psalm 139: 14

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

Do you know that you are a result of God’s divine creation? Do you know how special you really are; how uniquely made; how gifted? Are you aware of how much potential you have; how much you can love; what you can do; who you can touch; what a difference you can make? Worship today by thanking God for how He has made you. Then use what He has given you to change the world.

Psalm 62:1

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

The Colorado Rockies boast 53 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet. My wife and I have had the privilege of climbing a few. Staying focused on the goal has been vital to reaching each summit along with carefully choosing our steps. But more important than these; rest. Life can be very much like climbing a mountain. Worship today by staying focused on your goal and choosing your steps wisely. But above all, remember to rest in Jesus.

From Psalm 13

Throughout the Psalms, like a roller-coaster out of control, David rejoices in God’s presence and then a few phrases later, asks how much longer it will be until He remembers him again. Can you relate? When trials come, it’s easy for us to forget what “safe in the Savior’s arms” feels like. Worship today by trusting in His unfailing love. Remember what He’s already done for you and there you’ll find Him holding you close.

2 Chronicles 15:7

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

Fred, after his first screen test, stood before an unimpressed crew. “I’m sorry,” the director said, “but you can’t sing, and you certainly can’t dance.” Those words, while disappointing, didn’t stop Mr. Fred Astaire from becoming one of the most famous singer/dancers in history. Opinions, while meant for good, can often be discouraging. Worship today by following your heart and what God has clearly placed before you. Trust Him for direction and never give up.

Isaiah 55:12
For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace.

It’s rare that we understand what God’s tomorrow for us looks like. Even when we catch only the fringes of His ways, He is the best! And when He seems to have withdrawn from us altogether, He is there and He promises us that “we will go out with joy and be led forth with peace.” As you worship today, be encouraged. God is for you and all of creation is shouting, “He is faithful!”

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

When athletes quit an exercise test in exhaustion, their muscles usually remain physically capable of continuing. It’s the mind overwhelmed with suffering that often precipitates a decision to stop. When trying to accomplish what God has for us, our own thoughts can stop us quick. Too many “what-ifs” alone can keep us from moving forward. Try not to get overwhelmed. Worship today by taking one step at a time. Before you know it FINISH LINE!

Psalm 46: 1 & 10

I’ll never forget my first tandem jump from a plane high above Ogden, Utah. My initial thought: “What if the parachute doesn’t open”. But that didn’t last long as I began to realize there was only one thing to do – trust. Sometimes it can feel like we’re in free fall and out of control. Know that God has you. Worship Him by leaning in as makes provision to land you safely on solid ground.

Psalm 30:4

Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,
and give thanks to His holy name.

My grandfather would sing a hymn every morning. He wasn’t a musician, yet this awakened his heart to God’s heart before every sunrise. Music plays an enormous role in our lives. Even in sleep, research shows that we often have musical hallucinations (we dream it). Music transports us and humming a favorite worship song has the potential to direct our hearts heavenward. Today, spend time in worship with a song. Tune your heart to His.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

At 15,000 feet my backpack was unmanageable and Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak was still another 1,200 meters straight up. Though exhausted, I refused numerous offers from my porter to carry something. Finally, his request became an instruction. “I’m here for you, Chad. Please, give me your pack”. Living a life of worship sometimes means surrendering pride and handing  God the stuff that makes our journey onerous, even impossible. Today, worship by letting God carry something.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get (thanks, Forrest Gump). As we make life choices we often end up with something different than expected. But don’t let the fear of not getting exactly what you want keep you from setting goals, dreaming dreams and making a difference. Trust in the work God does that you can’t see. He is working for your good and He is for you!