Barriers To Worshiping God

Kayla Te-ariki Lemai, Australia

"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall." – Isaiah 25:4

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." – Proverbs 3:5-6

devotional

This scripture is a great reminder that I can’t do things with my own strength or understanding but with God. I have a God who I can trust with all things and who is there for me but I need to trust in him with all my heart and submit myself to him. I can find myself always wanting to be in control of situations and doing things myself instead of going to God and giving things to him. This can become a barrier stopping me from worshiping God and doing things for him. I also have other barriers that stop me from worshiping God in my life like fear, idolatry and lack of trust.

Fear – My fear can withhold me from doing things for God. It can stop me from getting out of my comfort zone, evangelizing and building relationships in the church. I can focus on what others think of me, fearful that if I become vulnerable people may see how sinful I am and think badly of me, fearful of change and fearful of standing out. These all can stop me from going out there and proclaiming God’s name and putting him before myself. My fear can stop God from using me in the kingdom. Isaiah 41:10 – This verse reassures me and encourages me as it calls me to not fear because God is with me. It reminds me that God will strengthen me and that he will help me. I need to put my trust in him and trust that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Idolatry – Often I can focus on work, school and having time for myself. I can put myself before God; I can get up late and choose my sleep over having a quiet time; I can spend more time thinking about school work or work or even spending more time watching anime and dramas than thinking about God and my quiet times. Being self focused can stop me from encouraging brothers and sisters or reaching out to friends or work mates. Matthew 6:33 – This verse reminds me that I shouldn’t be seeking things for myself but seeking first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. I should be putting the kingdom first and be encouraging brothers and sisters and building those relationships.

Lack of trust – In my life I struggle with putting God first and not trusting in God with all my heart with my spiritual life and in general. I can face hardship and try to fix them myself and can become drained and frustrated. With my family I can lack trust in God with being able to support my family and help us become more godly focused. Sometimes I can think of what I want instead of listening to God and trusting that he will provide and be there for my family. Proverbs 3:5-6, says that we need to trust in the Lord with all our heart and even promises us that if we submit to him he will make our paths straight. That means I mustn’t rely on what I can do but turn to God.

When we push past these barriers we will see God work.

reflection questions

• What weaknesses do I have that I can boast about to glorify God?

• Are there overwhelming situations in my life that I can take to God in prayer?