Worship is not about self-expression.

The condition of my heart is not central to worship (I mean true worship of Jehovah, the God of Jesus Christ). The center of worship is the truth about God. I don’t say that God doesn’t care what’s in my heart right now, or that we should not tell God about it. And if worship is in my heart, then worship will come out. Still, though, the question for worship is not: “What is my heart feeling right now?” The real questions are: 1)”What is true about God?” and 2)”Does He deserve praise for that truth?” (the second answer will always be “yes”). I look at Job, and see a man who praised God for who He was, even while he was groaning near to death. I don’t really think that Job was bubbling with happiness for the joy of life. But he knew who God was, and he believed it with all his heart. He praised God even when he didn’t feel like it. Some might say that, in spite of his circumstances, Job did feel like offering up a heartfelt song of praise. I don’t think so. Job was at a time in his life when everything stunk, but it didn’t change the truth about God. That was why he could say (paraphrased) “even if he kills me, I will still praise Him.” We may face times like that too, but our God is as unchangeable now as he was then (think about that one).