BECOMING WHAT WE WORSHIP
Rashawn Nance
Today’s Scripture: “Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.” Psalm 115:8
Theme: When God doesn’t operate the way we want, one wrong response is to attempt to shape Him into something more convenient.
WHAT WE FIX OUR HEARTS ON SHAPES US
It’s easy to think of idols as something ancient or irrelevant, but the truth is, anything we put in God’s place can become an idol—our work, our image, our need for approval, even our comfort. Psalm 115:8 (our verse for today) is a warning: we start to resemble whatever we worship. If we trust in things that are lifeless or empty, our hearts slowly grow dull. We lose our sensitivity to God’s voice and the needs of others. The world might not notice, but deep down, we know when we’re just going through the motions.
NUMBNESS CREEPS IN
I’ve experienced this myself—seasons where I got so focused on chasing my own plans or distractions that my spirit felt flat. I wasn’t feeling much—either good or bad. I was just existing, not really living. When I’ve let idols take God’s place, I have become less patient, less grateful, and less aware of His presence. That numbness is subtle, but it steals our joy and passion for life.
WORSHIP BRINGS US BACK TO LIFE
God doesn’t want us to live numb or half-awake. He created us to be fully alive: spiritually alert, compassionate, and connected to Him. When we turn our hearts back to God, worshiping Him above all else, He softens us. He renews our ability to feel deeply, to love well, and to sense His leading, in even the small things. Worship isn’t just about singing or praying—it’s about letting God be the center of everything and letting Him change us from the inside out.
We worship many idols. We may not place it in front of us and bow on one knee, but in our hearts, we do bow, because it has a hold on us. We care about who sees and appreciates it. We work longer hours, make bad decisions to obtain this worshipped thing, and we often lose sight of our true purpose. We praise God on Sunday and chase the idols Monday to Saturday. I am a victim of this, as most of us are. I've chased the feeling of name brands, high-earning years, and status that really didn't serve me well. It's hard work every day to understand you can have goals, but to also remember who those goals serve: God or the Flesh? I'm a work in progress and strive to continue attempting to be a better version of myself. Just being a part of this devotions team helps brings life into perspective and gives me another connection to God.
Make It Personal: What are some goals you are working on? Are those goals serving God or just your flesh? How can you allow worship to God be the center of your week, no matter what you are doing?
Pray: God, we all fall short of Your glory. Neither stature nor riches can buy us a ticket to heaven. You don't view us as this world does. You care about our hearts, and what we decide to do with our status and wealth. The breath in our body continues to flow because of Your love and mercy. Please help us and be patient with us as we strive to walk, talk, and act as You did. I will fall short every time, but I will continue walking in Your way. My life is complete because You're my father and without You, I'm nothing. Amen
Read: Psalm 115:1–8, Ezekiel 36:26, John 10:10, Romans 12:1–2
Weekly Memory Verse: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3, ESV