Worship in the Night
True worship requires standing in God's house by night, persevering through difficult times, and trusting in His love and guidance.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the profound blessing of worshiping God in times of darkness and sorrow, emphasizing that true faith is tested and revealed in the midst of challenges. He highlights the importance of standing by God even in His moments of suffering and humiliation, showing unwavering love and faith. Cowman encourages a deep desire for God Himself above all blessings or joys, surrendering completely to His will and trusting Him to lead the way, no matter how difficult or dark the path may seem.
Text
"Ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion" (Ps. 134:1, 3).
Strange time for adoration, you say, to stand in God's house by night, to worship in the depth of sorrow --it is indeed an arduous thing. Yes, and therein lies the blessing; it is the test of perfect faith. If I would know the love of my friend I must see what it can do in the winter. So with the Divine love. It is easy for me to worship in the summer sunshine when the melodies of life are in the air and the fruits of life are on the tree. But let the song of the bird cease and the fruit of the tree fall, and will my heart still go on to sing? Will I stand in God's house by night? Will I love Him in His own night? Will I watch with Him even one hour in His Gethsemane? Will I help to bear His cross up the dolorous way? Will I stand beside Him in His dying moments with Mary and the beloved disciple? Will I be able with Nicodemus to take up the dead Christ? Then is my worship complete and my blessing glorious. My love has come to Him in His humiliation. My faith has found Him in His lowliness. My heart has recognized His majesty through His mean disguise, and I know at last that I desire not the gift but the Giver. When I can stand in His house by night I have accepted Him for Himself alone. --George Matheson
"My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,
Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;
'Tis His to lead me there, not mine, but His
'At any cost, dear Lord, by any road!'
"So faith bounds forward to its goal in God,
And love can trust her Lord to lead her there;
'Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard
Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.
"No matter if the way be sometimes dark,
No matter though the cost be ofttimes great,
He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark,
The way that leads to Him must needs be straight.
"One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay;
One thing I do, I press towards my Lord;
My God my glory here, from day to day,
And in the glory there my Great Reward."
Sermon Outline
- The Challenge of Worship in the Night
- Worship in the night is a test of perfect faith
- It requires perseverance and devotion
- It leads to a deeper understanding of God's love
Key Quotes
“My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace, Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;” — Charles E. Cowman
“Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.” — Charles E. Cowman
“One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay; One thing I do, I press towards my Lord;” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- I will stand in God's house by night, even in difficult times, to demonstrate my love and devotion to Him.
- I will trust in God's love and guidance, and follow Him at any cost, to reach my ultimate goal of knowing Him.
- I will persevere through challenges and difficulties, knowing that God is with me and will lead me to my goal.