Last Sunday, as I set the table for breakfast, the music I was listening to on BBN Radio transitioned to the “Hallelujah chorus” from Handel’s magnificent oratorio, The Messiah.
Just a couple of weeks before, we had attended a Christmas concert in which the “Hallelujah chorus” was performed. The audience stood as one when the first notes were played, a tradition said to have begun with King George on his very first hearing of this tribute to the King of kings.
So in my kitchen, I almost felt like I should pause at attention while the chorus played. Was it disrespectful, even sacrilegious, to keep placing silverware and stirring eggs while such praise to God played in the background?
There will come a time when all other endeavors will cease and everyone will praise the King.
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Revelation 7:9-12).
I can only imagine what a glorious day that will be. We get a little foretaste of it now in church, when we lay aside our ordinary pursuits of the week to gather with God’s people and sing His praises together.
But worship isn’t just for Sundays or public gatherings. We don’t acknowledge God on Sundays and then go back to our regular work without giving Him any more thought.
We can worship Him in everything we do because He is with us and has given us all we have.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:8-9, 11).
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:1-2).
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
God reigns over creation and nations. But He also reigns over homes and kitchens. We don’t have to wait til heaven or even Sunday to praise Him. We can raise our hallelujahs for everyday blessings as well as the major events of life, in joy as well as trouble and sorrow.
So I continued folding napkins, setting out condiments, flipping over the hash browns, and pulling out the crescent rolls while singing in my heart.
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth!
He shall reign for ever and ever!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Stray Thoughts 
Indeed Ms. Barbara, our adoration, praise, and love toward God is not something we should reserve for special moments, events, or times, but His love should be joy-filling in us that it spills out in our everyday. Well said ma’am!
I like that mental picture of joy overflowing our cups.
Wonderful!! when the king (or queen) stands, we all stand! And when the King comes again….we will be bowing in adoration. Oh what a day that will be!! This was a lovely post. One of my favorite places to worship God is on the summit of a mountain I’ve just climbed…or like I did earlier today after church, alone in the deep woods of a nature preserve singing to Him and thanking Him for His creation….
Thanks so much. That will indeed be a great day when all shall bow before Him.
As powerful and moving as the Hallelujah Chorus is, the praise and worship in heaven will be so much greater! What a day that will be! And what a privilege when we can practice that kind of adoration here on earth, whether we stand or fall on our knees or continue our everyday tasks.
It’s so hard to fathom just how great it will be to worship in heaven! I’m thankful we can worship here no matter what we’re doing.
Amen. Praise the Lord every moment. Sing His praises and share His love. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Amen!
Blessings, Jennifer
I love that! Doing even everyday things with an attitude of praise running in the background …
My comment here vanished. This is a lovely post praising God. Thank you for this.
God bless.
I’m sorry about the missing comment. I’m thankful this one went through. Thanks for stopping by!
Love all the biblical scenes showing worship of our Great God.
I love that God is with us in the big moments but also in the everyday ones and that even in the little, ordinary things we have the opportunity to worship him.
I am enjoying your posts so very much! Thank you!!
Thanks so much, Linda.
God reigns over creation and nations. But He also reigns over homes and kitchens. I LOVE this.
Thanks so much, Lauren.
Amen, Barbara! Most of my daily praise takes place right at my kitchen island. 🙂
I agree, Barbara. Being able to praise in the ordinary places and routines of our life is meaningful!
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