Hymn 4 - God Himself Is Present

The opening section of our hymnal contains hymns that are intended to prepare us for worship. Our hymn for this weekend, "God Himself Is Present" by Gerhard Tersteegen, is a hymn that helps us think about what worship is, a why we do it. Tersteegen reminds us that "God Himself is present" as we gather together to hear His word, receive His sacrament, and worship Him in response. What a blessing for the sinner! We join the psalmist in declaring: "Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." (Psalm 95:1-6).

Let's not forget what worship is about. It is about God revealing Himself to sinners, and bestowing forgiveness to sinners through His Means of Grace. It is an opportunity to receive that, and then join in praising Him for the gifts He gives by grace. Apart from Him and His blessings, bestowed on us in worship, we are lost and doomed for destruction!

Thanks be to God for His salvation, and the privilege of praising His name in worship!