UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey, is an updated version of his blog first posted on October 17, 2013.  He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Power of Worshipping God in Private”

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

David was anointed to become the future king of Israel when he was a shepherd boy.  Yet, even his own father did not think David had this potential. While David’s father brought in seven of his sons in the presence of Samuel, David was left in the fields to take care of the sheep.

But why was David chosen by God to become the future king and instead of his many brothers or others who were in Israel? David worshipped and loved the Lord when no one was looking. Out in the fields alone with the sheep, David would take out his lyre and worship God. David’s father forgot him in the fields, but God, his Heavenly Father, was with David when nobody noticed.

The nation of Israel equated worship and relationship with God with a visit to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices; it was very public, ritualistic, and seasonal.  On the other hand, David’s worship was private; it was personal, and it was daily. Public victory has no power when there are no private victories. Whenever an evil spirit would torment King Saul, David would take up his lyre and worship. Then the demons would flee from Saul. Worship might sound and feel good on Sunday, but if not continued when we are alone Monday through Saturday, the Sunday victories are hollow.

So, worship the Lord daily in private as well as worship Him publicly whenever the saints gather for that purpose.   

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I worship You in private as well as in public, for You are the LORD over all things created.  I magnify You and glorify Your holy and mighty name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 2-3