“I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.” Psalm 119.7
Jesus told the woman at the well that those who worship God must “worship in spirit and truth.” Among the many profound truths revealed in this well-known conversation, our Lord reveals a key aspect about worship. Our praise must find its basis in biblical truth.
Passion is not enough. Religious ritual is not enough. Sincerity is not enough. God demands worship in spirit and truth. He desires worship aligned with his Word from those whose lives align with his Word.
The psalmist affirms that connection here. He continues the blessings of walking in God’s Word by revealing that such a walk leads to pure praise. Keeping one’s life according to Scripture—learning God’s righteous rules—enables praise from an upright heart. Walking in God’s truth empowers praise in spirit and truth.
We must not miss the link to the prior verse, here. Remaining fixed on God’s Word—faithful submission to his Lordship—leads to freedom from shame. This enables unhindered worship. On the contrary, when we walk in sin, when we live contrary to his righteous rules, our worship is stifled.
Consider your heart, friend. Are you worshipping God with an upright heart? Are you worshiping in Spirit and truth?
Precious Lord, may our praise ever flow from an upright heart. According to your grace, for the sake of your name, cleanse us from sin and unrighteousness. Teach us your righteous rules that our lives may cry out with praise.