Journey to the Altar: Embracing Worship Amidst Chaos

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the theme of coming to the altar amidst the chaos and distractions of life. We began by acknowledging the clutter and confusion that often accompany us to worship. This week has been particularly challenging for our church community, with the passing of several beloved members. Yet, even in the midst of sorrow, we are reminded that God is not distracted; He is intimately involved in our lives.

We delved into the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134), which were sung by the Israelites as they ascended to Jerusalem for worship. These psalms guide us on how to prepare our hearts for worship. We started with Psalm 120, which emphasizes the need for repentance. The psalmist calls out to God in distress, highlighting the importance of letting go of the lies and hate that clutter our hearts. True worship begins with repentance and a turning away from the falsehoods of the world.

Next, we moved to Psalm 121, which teaches us to trust in God. After repenting, we often feel vulnerable, but this psalm reassures us that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. God is always watching over us, ensuring that our foot does not slip.

Psalm 122 emphasizes the importance of community in worship. The psalmist rejoices with others as they go to the house of the Lord, highlighting the communal aspect of worship. Worship is not just an individual act but a collective experience that strengthens our faith.

Finally, we looked at Psalm 123, which speaks of dependence on God. The psalmist lifts their eyes to the Lord, acknowledging their complete reliance on Him. This posture of servitude and attentiveness to God's will is crucial for true worship.

In summary, the journey to the altar involves repentance, trust, community, and dependence. As we prepare to worship, let us examine our hearts, let go of the lies, trust in God's provision, connect with our community, and depend entirely on Him.

### Key Takeaways

1. Repentance as the First Step: True worship begins with repentance. We must let go of the lies and hate that clutter our hearts. This act of repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual process of turning away from the falsehoods of the world and aligning ourselves with God's truth. [10:24]

2. Trust in God's Provision: After repentance, we often feel vulnerable. Psalm 121 reassures us that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Trusting in God's provision means believing that He is always watching over us, ensuring that our foot does not slip. [21:36]

3. The Importance of Community: Worship is not just an individual act but a collective experience. Psalm 122 emphasizes the joy of going to the house of the Lord with others. This communal aspect of worship strengthens our faith and provides support in our spiritual journey. [25:33]

4. Dependence on God: Psalm 123 teaches us the importance of dependence on God. The psalmist lifts their eyes to the Lord, acknowledging their complete reliance on Him. This posture of servitude and attentiveness to God's will is crucial for true worship. [29:48]

5. The Journey to the Altar: The journey to the altar involves a sequence of steps: repentance, trust, community, and dependence. Each step prepares our hearts for worship and brings us closer to God. As we prepare to worship, let us examine our hearts, let go of the lies, trust in God's provision, connect with our community, and depend entirely on Him. [33:12]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[0:41] - Life's Chaos and Distractions
[01:15] - Songs of Ascent
[02:05] - Church Community Challenges
[03:21] - God's Unwavering Presence
[04:14] - Preparing to Worship
[05:25] - Ascending to Jerusalem
[06:00] - The Ultimate Sacrifice
[06:29] - Psalm 120: A Call for Repentance
[07:25] - Letting Go of Lies
[08:37] - Distress and Repentance
[10:24] - The Journey Begins with Repentance
[11:19] - Lies We Believe
[13:00] - Overcoming Guilt and Shame
[14:09] - Spiritual Growth and Nourishment
[15:07] - Trusting God's Provision
[16:20] - God's Protection
[17:48] - False Worship and Shortcuts
[19:39] - Living in the World
[20:16] - Psalm 121: Trust in the Lord
[21:36] - Looking Beyond the Hills
[23:02] - God's Attention to Us
[25:05] - Psalm 122: Community in Worship
[27:26] - Urgency and Determination
[28:17] - Praying for Jerusalem
[29:48] - Psalm 123: Dependence on God
[31:16] - Sensitivity to God's Will
[33:12] - The Pattern of Worship
[34:35] - Final Prayer and Reflection
[37:20] - Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 120:1-7 - "I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue? He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush. Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war."
2. Psalm 121:1-8 - "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
3. Psalm 122:1-2 - "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.' Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem."
4. Psalm 123:1-2 - "I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy."

### Observation Questions
1. What does the psalmist in Psalm 120 ask the Lord to save him from? ([06:29])
2. According to Psalm 121, what are some ways the Lord watches over us? ([20:16])
3. How does Psalm 122 describe the communal aspect of worship? ([25:05])
4. In Psalm 123, what is the posture of the psalmist towards God? ([28:45])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is repentance considered the first step in the journey to the altar according to Psalm 120? ([10:24])
2. How does Psalm 121 provide reassurance to those who feel vulnerable after repentance? ([21:36])
3. What is the significance of community in worship as highlighted in Psalm 122? ([25:33])
4. How does the posture of dependence on God in Psalm 123 influence our approach to worship? ([29:48])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's chaos. How did you manage to focus on worship despite the distractions? ([01:15])
2. What are some lies or falsehoods you need to let go of to truly repent and prepare your heart for worship? ([10:24])
3. After repenting, do you find it difficult to trust in God's provision? How can Psalm 121 help you build that trust? ([21:36])
4. How can you actively participate in the communal aspect of worship in your church? What steps can you take to strengthen your connection with others? ([25:33])
5. In what ways can you demonstrate your dependence on God in your daily life? How can you be more attentive to His will? ([29:48])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God more. What practical steps can you take this week to rely on His provision and protection? ([20:16])
7. Think of a person in your church community who might be struggling. How can you offer them support and encouragement in their spiritual journey? ([25:33])

Devotional

Day 1: Repentance as the Foundation of Worship
True worship begins with repentance. We must let go of the lies and hate that clutter our hearts. This act of repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual process of turning away from the falsehoods of the world and aligning ourselves with God's truth. The psalmist in Psalm 120 calls out to God in distress, highlighting the importance of letting go of the lies and hate that clutter our hearts. True worship begins with repentance and a turning away from the falsehoods of the world. This is a crucial first step in preparing our hearts for worship, as it allows us to approach God with a clean and sincere heart. [10:24]

Psalm 120:1-2 (ESV): "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue."

Reflection: What lies or negative emotions are cluttering your heart today? Take a moment to confess them to God and ask for His help in turning away from them.

Day 2: Trusting in God's Provision
After repentance, we often feel vulnerable. Psalm 121 reassures us that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Trusting in God's provision means believing that He is always watching over us, ensuring that our foot does not slip. This trust is essential as it provides us with the confidence to move forward in our spiritual journey, knowing that God is our constant protector and provider. [21:36]

Psalm 121:3-4 (ESV): "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable right now? How can you actively place your trust in God's provision and protection today?

Day 3: The Importance of Community in Worship
Worship is not just an individual act but a collective experience. Psalm 122 emphasizes the joy of going to the house of the Lord with others. This communal aspect of worship strengthens our faith and provides support in our spiritual journey. Being part of a worshiping community allows us to share our burdens, celebrate our joys, and grow together in faith. It reminds us that we are not alone in our walk with God. [25:33]

Psalm 122:1-2 (ESV): "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!' Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!"

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your worship community this week? Is there someone in your church who might need your support or encouragement?

Day 4: Dependence on God
Psalm 123 teaches us the importance of dependence on God. The psalmist lifts their eyes to the Lord, acknowledging their complete reliance on Him. This posture of servitude and attentiveness to God's will is crucial for true worship. It reminds us that we are not self-sufficient and that our strength and guidance come from God alone. This dependence fosters a deeper relationship with God as we learn to trust and rely on Him in all aspects of our lives. [29:48]

Psalm 123:1-2 (ESV): "To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to depend on God? What steps can you take today to acknowledge your need for His guidance and support?

Day 5: The Journey to the Altar
The journey to the altar involves a sequence of steps: repentance, trust, community, and dependence. Each step prepares our hearts for worship and brings us closer to God. As we prepare to worship, let us examine our hearts, let go of the lies, trust in God's provision, connect with our community, and depend entirely on Him. This holistic approach to worship ensures that we are fully engaged and present in our relationship with God, allowing us to experience His presence more deeply. [33:12]

Psalm 84:5-7 (ESV): "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion."

Reflection: Reflect on your personal journey to the altar. Which of the steps—repentance, trust, community, or dependence—do you find most challenging? How can you focus on strengthening this area in your walk with God this week?

Quotes

1. "We come to the altar, but we come cluttered. We come confused. We come overwhelmed with the challenges of life. And so this morning, as we think about coming to the altar, and Edgar didn't know this. I didn't work with him on the songs, but every song that we sung had a connection to the message that you're going to hear today. Every song was, in fact, coming to the altar." [01:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God is still working. So even though this week, this week has been a little difficult, even though this week has reminded me of the temporariness of life and that we are made of dust, we will return to dust. We are a piece of grass in the field, one of many, but we are significant in the eyes of God. And he has a message for you today." [03:21] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Repentance begins when you let go of the songs and the lies of the culture and you begin to truly sing the songs of ascent, moving up towards the presence of God. Some lies that Satan has told us historically in the Bible. You believe the lie that God is holding back something from you. That's exactly what Satan told Eve." [11:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Some of you believe that God is holding back purpose and direction from your life. So what do you do? You seek your own purpose. You seek your own direction. You go where you don't care if God's there anymore because obviously where you're at now is not God's will and so you're going to move to another place with God's will and you're just going to take Him along with you instead of ask Him to lead you and open that door." [12:27] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Some of you believe the lie that God won't provide for you. He knows your needs. Will you trust him? He knows what you want. Will you trust him? Some of you say, I'll trust him after he provides for me. Get that? I'll trust God after, name it. He provides. He helps. He heals. He Have you ever noticed that Jesus says, ask and it will be given? He doesn't say, I'm going to give you first and then you believe. You need to ask. You need to trust." [15:07] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Even though you have the promise, you have the hope of Jesus Christ in your life, that doesn't mean life won't be difficult. But can you trust him in the middle because God will protect you. God will watch over you even if that means that you have to wait until you're in his presence for eternity. God will be with you. He will watch over you. He will protect you." [17:18] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You repent, but you only repent when you're more uncomfortable with your sin than you are with God. When you're more uncomfortable with your sin than you are with God, and I've been a pastor for years, I've seen many people become very comfortable in their sin. It'd be their sin of being angry, sin of unforgiveness, sin of being merciless, sin of greed, sin of idolatry, sin of lust. Name the sin, and they're more comfortable with their sin than they are with obedience." [19:03] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Worship involves intentionally connecting with others and sharing our hearts to the Lord. Intentionally connecting with others. Did you see this? It's a community. I rejoiced by myself? No. What's it say? I rejoiced with those. What's it say? Let us go. What's it say? Our feet. There's a community aspect of it." [25:33] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The eyes of the slave look to the hand of the master. We don't understand that. We don't have slaves. We don't understand that. But this is, a guy named Samuel Koch writes this. He says, he says, the poet places himself before us, standing in the presence of the majesty in heaven with his eyes fixed on the hand of God. Absorbed. Why are you watching the hand of God? Because you're a servant." [30:22] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Our job is to go worship the Lord. Psalms 120-134. And it starts with this. It starts with the psalm of repentance. We let go of the lies of the world. And after we let go of the lies of the world, then we go into the psalm of trust, 121. We've let go. We're feeling vulnerable. We're feeling naked. And so we trust God. And then we trust Him. But we don't do it alone. We trust Him in community, in connection with others." [33:12] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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