Most of you who get this devotional probably read or listen to it as you start the day. And so, I’d like to ask: What kind of world will you inhabit today? Is it a world of responsibility, filled with “to do” lists…or a world of hardship, filled with loss and frustration? Is it a world distraction, filled with too much noise…or—since it’s the holidays--a world of anticipation, filled with high hopes for celebrations yet to come?

Well, depending on which side of the bed you got up on this morning, I’d imagine there are lots of different “worlds” that you could inhabit. But what if I told you, based on today’s word from Revelation Chapter 4, that the “real” world—the world God wants you to inhabit—is a world of endless worship?

In today’s word, the Apostle John is given a vision of heaven’s throne (see Rev. 4:1-8). And the glorious God who sits on the throne is surrounded by heavenly beings—"twenty-four elders,” who represent the people of God; and “four living creatures,” who represent all the people and animals the Lord God has made. And the Bible says of these creatures:

Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!’ And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to God…the twenty-four elders fall down before Him…They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (4:8-11)

 

You see, right now, there is an endless song of worship rising up to God from all creation—as well as all the people and creatures in it. And if we set our hearts on God’s glory, we can inhabit that world, too.

Now, is there still responsibility, frustration, distraction, and anticipation in that world? Sure. But there’s also the promise that God reigns! And that He will be glorified—in you, and in me, and in every inch of His creation!

So may you inhabit that world today. And may your endless worship allow God to be glorified in you. Amen.