Why does worship feel so good?

The is much said about how worship cannot be evaluated by how it makes us feel. I feel like I would have enough interest on the topic to write for days and days... Maybe I'll just start with one day.

Sometimes my arrogance leads me to overlook books in the old testament. I think books like Leviticus and probably exodus, deuteronomy, chronicles, and even some of the major and minor prophets, get ignored. It is as if there is probably something valueable there, but that it would be like panning for gold in the mississippi river. So I don't often look for support, encouragement, or wisdom there when I am in need.

But a few times I have followed a trail of Scripture to the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. It's fun to be led to what should be a familiar story, but because the path I traveled to get there wasn't the typical sunday school lesson, I find a more personal application.

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." -Exodus 14:9-14

I arrive at this section because of the worship that comes after. (I really enjoy the song of Miriam and Moses in Exodus 15) But in the context of the story, I find their worship more meaningful. It makes a big impact on me when i read words in the context of their story. Psalm 51 is what it is to me because of the context of its place in David's story. And here, the words may sound like simple, unadorned praise, but for the story.

This is a story that I identify with. The people had their back against the wall. They were looking around and not understanding their position, so they turned to their God in confusion and fear. And he in turn delivered them. He showed them a way out that they were incapable of seeing and certainly incapable of bringing about. And the worship that responded was I'm sure pretty emotional. God had set fortha a reason to celebrate his value and worth for generations to follow.

It is most often in the freedom and release from this back-against-the-wall feeling that I find myself singing of the worth and value of our God. It seems only right to me that it would feel good to be doing one of the things that is straight in line with his will. Lifting up his name, and putting it in a place of honor is one of the main things we can do as his redeemed children.

God help me to continue to rejoice in your grace, and proclaim the truth of your power and love.

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