How Then Shall We Worship?

American cartoonist H.T. Webster, for his comic strip, The Timid Soul (circa 1924), created his character, Casper Milquetoast, who was described as the man ‘who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick.’ Today, the term, ‘milquetoast’ refers to any timid soul unable to speak up for him/herself, a painfully shy person, a too-easily-persuaded person. King David would never have been given that moniker. If anything, he was too bold, too brash, oozing self-confidence, and ironclad trust in his God. A millennium before Jesus came, David wrote: 

“You are my Maker, my Mediator, and my Master. 

Any good thing you find in me has come from you. 

Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance. 

You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion.

I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands. 

Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. 

I’m overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following you, 

for you have given me the best!”

(Psalm 16:2,5,6, TPT)

These are the words of a worshiper, one who acknowledges all that he’s received. David’s worship was also expressed when he wept, confessed, fasted, mourned, accepted his failures, and danced with exuberant joy. Perhaps this wholeheartedness was the trait that made him ‘a man after God’s own heart.’ No milquetoast worshiper he! Maybe we could even say that ‘milquetoast’ and ‘worshiper’ form a contradiction in terms. More, perhaps the only fitting adjective to ‘worshiper’ is ‘wholehearted.’ David removed every sign of his royal position and danced ‘naked’ in public. The forgiven prostitute wept and sobbed and kissed Jesus’ feet, dismissive of her disapproving onlookers. Paul and Silas sang out their worship at midnight in a rat-infested, damp prison cell. And ours?  PD

Here’s a new Vineyard song that encourages single-focus, whole-hearted worship:

You Have Our Yes