There is a theological reason that worship services begin with hymns, songs, and moments intended to turn our hearts toward God in praise. I try to ignore the distractions of people walking in late or people who sing the lyrics with disinterested faces. I wish I could tell them, “These moments are the way you enter the Lord’s holy presence.” 

Our praise and gratitude usher us to the foot of God’s throne, where he is high and lifted up and listening to the “joy noise” of the praise and thanksgiving we offer to him, “the rock of our salvation.” Next Sunday you might want to arrive at church a little earlier so you can prepare your heart to worship your Creator and King. He will bless your effort!

Whenever the rush or circumstances of life cause you to feel like God is far away, praise him. Your worship and gratitude will usher you straight to his throne. If you have spent a long period of time apart from God’s leadership and love, repent. The word repent literally means to stop walking in one direction and turn to go the opposite way. When you repent you will be able to praise God for the forgiveness he has offered, and your praise will soon guide you into his holy presence where you will find his comfort and peace.

I usually sing very quietly because I don’t know one key from another. Someone asked me one time if I was an alto or a soprano. I told them the truth: it depends on who I am standing next to. But, I learned a while back that I can quietly offer my joyful “noise” to the Lord, and he accepts my offering of praise as worthy. God knows my heart, and he knows when I am singing to him or thinking about something else.

Wisdom is offering our gratitude to God. How will these words impact your next time of worship? You need only remember that we come into his presence with thanksgiving. Your praise and gratitude will usher you to God’s throne. That one truth is all your heart needs to know. That wisdom will change your worship in amazing ways.