Cultivate a Lifestyle of Worship

I love the writings of Quaker Thomas Kelly. He lived from 1893–1941, and his writings are profound. When he was a student at Haverford, he confidently told a professor, “I’m going to make my life a miracle!” Yet his life became a treadmill of exhaustion until he had an encounter with Christ that changed everything.

Once he encountered Christ, his focus shifted from striving to developing an awareness of Christ within him. He wrote:

“Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center…to which we may continually return.”

He went on to say:

“The secret places of the heart cease to be our noisy workshop. They become a holy sanctuary of adoration.”

I’ve been thinking about Kelly’s words all week long.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

What does it look like to make our souls a sanctuary of worship…

• When you’re changing diapers and the house is a mess?
• When you’re tired and grumpy because your teen is arguing?
• When you’re fighting cancer?
• When you’re facing deadlines and work that feels impossible to finish?
• When you’re elderly and your body aches all over?

While there are no easy answers, I believe there are a few practices that can help remind us that we are the sanctuary of the living God and that we are called to live a life of worship.

Three Practices to Help You Cultivate a Lifestyle of Worship

Cultivate Rhythms That Will Sustain You 

Looking back, I am so thankful that both Steve and I developed the pattern of meeting with God every morning for prayer, worship, and Bible reading. The simple practice of meeting with God first thing each day has sustained us through the difficult trials of life.

As I have faithfully met with God over the years, I’ve learned to hear His voice and bow my will to His. When I meet with Him in the morning, I am better able to enjoy His presence throughout the day.

In addition to meeting with Him in the morning, as I lay down at night, close my eyes, and prepare for sleep, I thank Him for His faithfulness throughout the day. It reminds me, as I drift off to sleep, that I am held securely in His almighty hands.

Learn to Live Life on Two Levels

Thomas Kelly also talked about this.

On one level, you might be teaching school, but on another level your soul is whispering a prayer for wisdom.

You might be working against a deadline, but on another level you are thanking God for your coworkers.

You might be changing diapers, but on another level you are thanking God for your child.

When you learn to live life on two levels, you are able to carry on a continual conversation with the Lord.

Rediscover Jesus

There was a season in my life that was quite dark. It felt as though God had abandoned me, even though He had not.

I remember making the intentional decision to lay aside every presupposition I had about Jesus and start fresh in the Gospels. For four years, I read through the Gospels and studied the life of Christ.

Honestly, I fell in love with Jesus all over again.

When you rediscover the majesty of Jesus and the depth of His love, you can’t help but fall at His feet in worship.

Friend, our lives are meant to be a journey of holy ascent as we worship at the feet of Jesus. Remember this week that you yourself are His sanctuary.

Make your soul a place of holy adoration by cultivating rhythms of worship and prayer, learning to live life on two levels, and rediscovering the majesty of Jesus.

We are beginning our encore season of the Connected Mom Podcast, and it’s a great time to catch up on episodes you may have missed.

This week, why not listen to my conversation with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski about navigating the challenges of kids’ sports? It remains one of my favorite conversations. Whether your children or grandchildren are involved in sports, I think you’ll find it encouraging and practical. 

If you’re not already following the Connected Mom Podcast, be sure to subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Summer is also a wonderful time to consider how you’re doing friend-wise. Why not order a copy of Friend-Wise for yourself and a friend?