Will We Never Stop Worshiping God?
With confidence, we sing along with the lyrics of Christian songs, and with a sense of conviction, we utter heartfelt prayers, all of which proclaim that we will never stop worshiping God. We boldly state that we will praise Him, even in the storm.
Are we so sure?
A simple proclamation doesn’t a fact make, and what we hope of ourselves doesn’t necessarily come to fruition when pressed for proof. When faced with the unimaginable, will we not let fear take over, anger overwhelm, nor accept a deal with the devil?
Satan is Convincing
Though we believe we will continue to praise the Lord during the darkest of times, God clearly shows throughout the Bible that the temptation to turn away from Him is strong. At times that coaxing is overwhelming and we give in to debilitating anxiety, acts of vengeance, and even a distrust of our Lord.
Satan is sly, and our words are merely empty statements unless we keep God at our center.
God is not there for us to consult with only at times of confusion or when challenges rise up. If those are the only times we reach for Him, we will be easily influenced by Satan, who can whisper convincing doubt and questioning into our hearts.
An Active Connection With God is Key
Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness. It was during this time of retreat that the devil offered Him seemingly significant opportunities. Remember that Satan was able to influence Eve in the Garden of Eden. She did receive what was offered, but in the process, she and Adam lost their close relationship with God.
It is imperative to develop an intimate relationship with God. A growing connection that’s alive keeps Him at your center. In this, you will be standing on the unshakable Rock that is Jesus. You will be influenced by the indwelled Holy Spirit, and in a strong relationship with the Father. To never stop worshiping God begins with always being with Him.
Within this active and powerful core connection, we can live fearless in the face of earthly issues, withstand temptation, and allow the tragedies of life to run their course without overrunning us.
Being Human Leaves Us Vulnerable to Satan
We are all beings living in a world where boundaries of class, prejudice, and inflated self-importance seemingly carve out a specific place for us, but we are still the same. Money and prestige aside, we all need love, security, and hope. A challenge, threat, or loss of any of these and we struggle.
In a vulnerable state of need, each one of us can be tempted by the devil. What he offers appeals to us because our wants are great and our sight is limited. Satan knows this.
How can we honestly claim then that we will never stop worshiping God, even in the face of disaster? By being united as one with Him. Jesus gave us the example. But He offers us a Helper to ensure success. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God that brings in the power and strength we need.
A Trust in God Brings Contentment Which Foils Temptation
When we are united with God and indwelled by His Spirit, we become impenetrable, because we are no longer alone and weak but bound in His power. Our trust in God brings a deep contentment in whatever He allows. His Spirit living in us wouldn’t feel tempted, so we won’t. The Lord in us doesn’t need for anything, so we don’t. God living through us won’t be confused by temptation, and so we won’t.
Don’t underestimate the power of the devil’s temptations. You are not immune! Grow your relationship with God. Get close to Him! When nothing else matters to you but God, nothing else can sway you away from Him. You will be able to own the claim that you will never stop worshiping God.
For another message on standing against temptation, read Old Haunts Taunt.