In Spirit and Truth
Looking up is the best view for worship! - H.C. Daniels
#GCG Blog 04 (Reflection) - Written by: H.C. Daniels
Good morning beauties! I was walking around my apartment praising God (in the later part of the morning because I am not an early morning person at all) and meditating on Godʼs Word (my favorite part of the day where the Holy Spirit brings things to my remembrance and I gain revelation through pondering as Peter did). And I was thanking God for provision, peace, and abundance in so many areas of my life. Still going through a divorce (a year and a half later) I just felt for the first time a huge amount of peace in letting things go. Not a “blanket, sounds good” letting things go, but an “exhale, shift your gaze for good” letting things go. Jesus was so faithful in healing me and reminding me that even though I made some detours, He still was partnering with me through renewed covenant, remembrance, divine love, and restored purpose. He had walked me through some of the most difficult days of healing my broken heart, my malnourished soul, and struggles through pain and the effects of complex trauma. I was so grateful because He promised He would heal me and when I woke up this morning, I felt such a beautiful shift in myself. I wanted to let go and not worry anymore about the divorce outcome but surrender it to Him knowing that in letting go, He was giving me so much more. He is the hope that doesn’t disappoint.
Jesus continues to be faithful to us even when we are unfaithful and when we run to Him, our souls drink of living water that never leaves us thirsting again. He had been so gentle with me that when I looked up He showed me just how far He brought me. The letting go was a process and He was the One who brought me to a place of resting in Him that I wanted to let go. Abiding in the Vine brought me to a place of surrender that I didnʼt even realize His desire of a renewed mind and heart for me in Him was showing up in my desires and ability to let the past go completely. I canʼt control what others do but I had reached a place of letting go of trying to vindicate myself and being ok with whatever pleased God. This again had always been my posture in wanting to please God however, the internal change (you know when your feelings and perception actually go along with it) was evident. I just wanted to embrace Godʼs beautiful future for me based on looking around and rejoicing in who He has always been to me. I trust Him with my future so I can let go of the past. I was full of joy, optimism, hope, gratitude, and peace.
In His arms is where I want to stay and that is where true transformation occurs. Running to and staying in His arms is an act of worship. Worshipping Him in Spirit and Truth was about communing with Him through reading the Word (Truth), praying in community (gift of tongues - praying in the Spirit as well), fasting regularly (humbling myself before Him), and resting (trusting Him and His revealed character in the wait). Continually doing these things and following instruction (through logos (Truth) and rhema (Spirit inspired revelation specific to you) Word) was me running to His arms and depending on Him for all my needs. Jesus is the source that meets all my needs and being in relationship with Him led me to worshipping Him in Spirit and Truth.
Some other verses that highlight woshipping God in Spirit and Truth:
Key Verses:
John 4:24 - God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 17:17 - Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Jude 1:20-21 - But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
These scriptures are beautifully reminding us of how accepting and pursuing God in all that He is, results in our worshipping Him in Spirit and Truth. We must diligently seek Him out and embrace the reality of a very real God who loves us unconditionally. This resting in Him and keeping our gaze upon the Truth of who He is through reading the Word, fasting, praying, and resting, ignites a passion in our hearts by building relationship with Him. Jesus is above all, so worth our full attention.
He will meet us where we are and when we set our hearts to seek Him, recognizing and experiencing rich and deep relationship with Jesus, we are truly one with Him in Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17).
