Trusting His Heart: A Journey into Worship

Hello Bride of Christ,

“Seek My face.” This invitation, which God extends to David in Psalm 27:8, is not just for the king but for every one of His children. The Psalms provide a powerful roadmap to develop a deeper relationship with Jehovah, the Creator. In reading through the first book of Psalms (Psalm 1-41), we are invited to echo David’s heartfelt declaration: “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” When we accept this invitation, we open ourselves to the revelation of God’s presence and, ultimately, His heart.

Leo Tolstoy, in The Kingdom of God Is Within You, presents a thought-provoking view of God. He writes, “There are two Gods: the first is the God people generally believe in—a God who serves them, sometimes in subtle ways, like offering peace of mind. This God doesn’t exist. But the true God, the one we all must serve, does. He is the prime cause of our existence and of everything we perceive.” God is not surprised by humanity’s tendency to misunderstand Him. This is why He inspired David—a man after His own heart—to reveal the truth through his prayers. In the Psalms, David unveils a God who is undeniably worthy of our worshipful service.

So, who is this God, and how should we respond in worshipful service? The Psalms hold the answer.

In Psalm 2, God is introduced as the Ruler whom the nations resist (Psalm 2:2, NKJV). Alongside Him stands the Anointed One, the Messiah, His Son (Psalm 2:2, 7, NKJV)—the same One whom the nations reject. The Messiah has been given a unique purpose: to plead with God on behalf of all people, claiming the earth and everything in it (Psalm 2:8, NKJV). Despite the nations’ opposition, God declares the Messiah as His King, set to rule from His holy hill, Mount Zion (Psalm 2:6-7, NKJV). The Psalmist calls us to respond in worshipful service by embracing the Messiah, trusting Him to rule over us (Psalm 2:12, NKJV).

Similarly, in Psalm 16, God reveals Himself as Adonai—the Covenant Keeper, who is Christ. This Psalm is quoted by Peter (Acts 2:25-36) and Paul (Acts 13:35-39) to emphasize Christ’s role as our Counselor. Through Christ, God defines the boundaries of our inheritance and secures all of His promises (Psalm 16:5-7, NKJV). The Psalmist urges us to trust Adonai, believing that He will preserve us and fulfill His promises (Psalm 16:1). This trust brings us joy: “My heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope” (Psalm 16:9, NKJV).

In Psalm 18, God is portrayed as our Deliverer—stable as a rock and secure as a fortress (Psalm 18:2, NKJV). The Psalmist reveals various ways God shows Himself: Rock, Fortress, Strength, Shield, Salvation Horn, Stronghold, Merciful, Blameless, Pure, and Shrewd (Psalm 18:2, 25-26, NKJV). Trust again forms the foundation of worshipful service: “I will trust” (Psalm 18:2, NKJV). From that trust flows love, as the Psalmist declares, “I will love You” (Psalm 18:1, NKJV). This trust leads to a resounding proclamation: “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised” (Psalm 18:3, NKJV).

In Psalm 21, we encounter God as The Most High (Psalm 21:7, NKJV). This title reflects God's sovereignty, not as a distant, detached deity, but as the One capable of bestowing blessings, wisdom, justice, and power (Psalm 21:3-4, 8-12, NKJV). The king, trusting in the Lord, lifts his voice in worshipful praise of The Most High’s power (Psalm 21:7, 13, NKJV). Trust in God fuels the worshiper’s joy and celebration of His mighty works (Psalm 21:1, NKJV).

Psalm 22 brings us to the cry of the Suffering Servant, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22:1). These words point forward to Christ’s crucifixion, unveiling the depths of God’s redemptive plan. David foreshadows the suffering of Christ, who was mocked, pierced, and forsaken—yet remained faithful in trust (Psalm 22:7-8, 16-18, NKJV). Trust in God’s deliverance was the bedrock of Israel’s worship and has been passed down through generations.

Reflecting on the role of trust in worship, I recall a personal experience with my eldest son, whom I adopted from Ukraine when he was eight years old. During our first months together, he would greet me every morning with, “Mama, what for me to do?” Rather than giving him a long list of tasks, I would invite him to sit beside me or curl up in my lap as I read him stories. These stories, crafted to help him adjust to his new life, would show him what to expect and reassure him that I would be with him every step of the way. The core of this interaction—trust. I used his question to invite him into a deeper relationship with me, one rooted in trust. I didn’t offer a checklist; I gave him my heart.

I often see God’s invitation to us in the same way. When we seek His face and ask, “Abba, what for me to do?” He doesn’t always provide a to-do list. Instead, He invites us into a relationship where the primary answer is simply to trust Him. Trust. Nothing more, nothing less. Through the Psalms, we hear God’s call to embrace His heart, trust His guidance, and respond with worshipful service.

The invitation is clear: Trust Him, and through that trust, let worship flow.

Journal prompts: Reflection questions to help you along your journey.

Read Psalm 23. Meet the Good Shepherd. Reflect on a time when you were invited to trust someone fully—whether a parent, a friend, or even God Himself. How did that trust shape your relationship with them? Based on Psalm 23 how will trusting God fully shape your relationship with Him?

Read Psalm 24. Meet the King of Glory. Consider Psalm 24:1-6, are there areas in your life where you're still hesitant to fully surrender to His guidance? Write about the ways God has revealed His heart to you, and how you can respond to His invitation to trust Him more deeply. Consider how this trust can lead you into a deeper place of worship and service.