WOW! WHAT BENEFITS
PART 2
written by Pastor Willie Soans
Psalm 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
The last time we saw the benefits from the above Psalm. The Hebrew word ‘gamal’ comes from a camel that carries innumerable treasures. Another meaning of ‘gemul’ or ‘gamal’ is quite clear in the Strong’s. This basically means, “to deal fully with, to recompense, or to deal bountifully with”.
When we enter worship, the Lord Himself recompenses us, and deals bountifully with us. It is here that our hearts get filled with all that God has prepared for us for that day or time.
The last time we saw how God imparts ‘peace’ to those who worship. That in the midst of chaos and troubles we might be in, the impartation of ‘Shalom’ is the pouring out of God’s peace in our hearts, this peace is also bountiful for us as the time of our need.
The second benefit that God gives us as we worship is renewal.
True worship is an immense opportunity to be renewed both inwardly and outwardly. Inwardly, God releases a joy that frees us from inhibitions and this joy has the actual power to break deep bondages and overcome the lies of the enemy. Outwardly, we receive healing and rest. Our relationships heal. Our attitudes get right. Our memories get cleansed. And in the process, forgiveness and release come to bring healing to our whole ‘man’.
Within this whole renewal process, the Holy Spirit plays a very vital role. The Holy Spirit, who lives inside us, rises to magnify the Almighty God, giving Him the honour that is due Him and lifting up His Son, Jesus. No amount of planning, practicing, or preparing can take the place of the Spirit of God leading us into the presence of God, in our times of worship.
Then the benefits are poured out in endless ways.
Firstly, we are taught by the Holy Spirit Himself. John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” It is in the midst of true powerful worship, that revelation and ‘quickenin’ comes to our spirit.
Secondly, the Holy Spirit becomes our transformer. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” Wow! The more we behold Him, the more like Him we will become.
So, remember we desperately need to worship. John Ortberg, a famous evangelical leader, born in the late 50s, said, “I need to worship because without it I lose a sense of wonder and gratitude and plod through life with blinders on. I need worship because my natural tendency is toward self-reliance and stubborn independence.” How true this is.
Finally, do develop a worshipful spirit inside you. We worship an amazing God. And every time I myself worship, I am awed and surprised at the way God touches me and changes me.
Don’t ever stop worshipping. Keep your heart open and soft at all times.
The benefits are incredible.
Be blessed.
