How to Worship

Anything we do which pleases God is a form of worship.

For me, this means each act I perform should be a way of praising Him.

The question is, how do I reconcile what I actually do with what I feel I should be doing?

For the answer I turn to  2 Corinthians 9:7

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (New American Standard Bible)

Most of even my closest friends don't realize that I become very anxious in groups. It's a dichotomy because by appearance I'm very outgoing. And it's true that I do love people, but only in small doses. In crowds I become claustrophobic. I disdain noise. I avoid large events. Unfortunately, this form of anxiety even extends to attending most worship services. 

 

I don't suffer panic attacks, but there are other physical symptoms associated with the anxiety. I've learned to compensate and am extremely content living my quiet life.

 

I work well and have many friends. I simply tend to avoid groups. I give God everything I am and do,  and He continues to bless me, even increasing my circle of influence in many ways. Perhaps someday He'll choose to lift my anxiety as He has lifted so many other burdens from me. As for now, every small act I attempt to give to Him.

 

How do I worship today? 

• I praise God for the home He's given me by cheerfully doing the housework.
• I praise Him for the beautiful, healthy children He gave me by working on a charity quilt that will be auctioned off for the Kate's Cupboard ministry.
• I thank Him for the friends He's given me by sending the moms I know a special reminder of how we are building cathedrals in His name.
• I pray by name for those who have asked me to intercede on their behalf, and for others who do not know I'm praying.

Faithfully,

Linda