In a day when so many people are encouraged to pray for God’s financial blessings in their lives, God’s blessing becomes a taboo subject in many churches. Big name pastors live in multi-million dollar houses, fly in their own planes, and suck the church dry for his own pleasures. So when we pray for blessings I think we become confused between blessings and self-serving privileges. We pray for healing, safety, and protection for our children. We ask God for help in the middle of fights and frustration with others. We beg God to intervene in our collapsing marriages and bring us back together with our spouses. If only God would bless us. We don’t want planes, trains, and fast cars. All we want is for God to provide the simple things and the things that really matter to us.
But to what extent should we ask for His blessing in our lives? That’s where we turn today. The final Psalm of Ascent is Psalm 134 and seems to be a great way to end this section of Scripture.
God’s servants worship the Lord (v.1)
1 Chronicles 9:33 tells us the Levites were on duty in the temple day and night. Deuteronomy 10:8 states, “At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day.” What a privilege! What an honor! In v.1 these workers in the temple were asked to worship (bless) the Lord, it was perhaps on behalf of those who have traveled from some distance to come to Jerusalem to worship. Either way, the psalmist was interested in God getting His just and true worship.
In many ways, these Levites were also a great example to all followers of the Lord. They demonstrated worship. Here in v.1 we see the worship was verbal. They either sung or spoke this worship. Most likely since some of these workers were also musicians they lifted their voices in worship.
You should always be able to look towards your pastors and their worship as examples. Their examples should not drive your worship, but should encourage your worship of the Lord.
God’s servants lift their hands (v.2)
This next verse answers the question of the posture of praise and worship. An often used posture of praise and worship is to lift your hands towards the Lord in the air. This was exuberant praise of a worthy God. Do you ever lift your hands in worship? Is it awkward to you? Do you simply say, “It’s just not my style of worship.” I can understand why it might be uncomfortable, but have you tried it without looking around to see if others are looking at you?
I wonder if we all just focused on God and not other things, problems, issues, preferences, desires, wants, etc., would we see God differently? I have to believe so. It frees us to worship freely when we focus on God alone.
God’s servants pray for God’s blessing (v.3)
This is the highlight of the three verses. God loves us so much that He provides blessings in our lives. God’s people ask for blessing and God provides for their needs. God’s immeasurable love is so vast and His care for us is so driven by that love. Is it fine to ask for God’s blessings? I believe the answer is yes. Verse 3 reiterates that. Think about all the blessings you’ve been given by God and take time to thank Him for those blessings.
Some Questions…
- When is the last time you authentically worshiped the Lord?
- Would you be comfortable being more free in your worship (lifting hands)?
- What are some actions you need to change to make your worship more authentic?