Getting Ready!

“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:4 NIV

If you have ever watched a weightlifting competition on television, you can describe the scene. A muscle-bound contestant resembling Hercules strides onto the stage wearing a body suit. As he prepares to reach down for the massive weights, his face takes on a certain aura. The lifter’s eyes are closed. It’s as if he is praying. Actually he is lost in deep concentration. As he collects his thoughts, he is marshaling all his strength for what is about to take place. And then after several moments of personal preparation, the athlete quickly jerks the bar up and pushes it over his head.

What a great parallel for the person who prepares to worship the Lord we love. The worshiper prepares to declare to all the nations that Jehovah God is the highest worth in all their life. In order to lift up the name of Jesus, we must thoughtfully prepare for what we are about to do. We need to focus out thoughts on the One we desire to worship. Closing our eyes to better concentrate, we may feel the need to confess wrong attitudes or sinful behavior. We no doubt will want to rehearse in our heads how the Lord has demonstrated His strength in the midst of our weakness. Much like the weightlifter who must mentally prepare himself for that which tests his limits, the awesome task of lifting the name of Jesus higher and higher requires us to go through a series of warm-up preparations and follow through actions.

As we embark on another Holiday Season, let us join together in clearing our minds and opening our eyes to the vision God has for the world and his desire for service. Join me in concentrating and preparing our hearts, minds, souls, and strengths to worship Him!

Looking forward to Thanksgiving – You know I love ya - Don