Worship is most authentic when it is responsive. By that I mean it is a true heart expression when we have encountered the great contrast between two beings. That happens when we see ourselves as we really are and we see God as He really is. Nehemiah chapter 9 begins with the people confessing their sin. They have been on an incredible spiritual journey through the book. They have experienced physical strengthening and protection to complete the wall in 52 days. The nation gathered for the reading of the law and the people were cut to the heart. They built booths and communed with God for a week. Now they confess and worship.

These people had returned from exile and God showed them His power and compassion throughout this spiritual journey. They had been a scattered people and now they are coming back together and regaining their national identity. The apex of the spiritual journey for the people is worship. We see people encountering God through His word and His light exposes their sin. Their confession releases the weight of sin they were carrying and then propels them to worship.

By the very fact that you are reading this short devotional and you have already read some of God’s word tells me you are on a spiritual journey. You will experience the light of God’s word shining on the areas of your life that a cloaked in shadows. His Holy Spirit will bring conviction. Confession will follow. Forgiveness will result, and you too will be compelled to worship God. Continually, daily, opening the word of God will keep you on a spiritual journey living ever closer to Jesus.