Jezus Wij Verheffen U: A Guide To Worship
Hey guys! Today, let's dive deep into what it means to say "Jezus wij verheffen U." For those who aren't familiar with the Dutch, it translates to "Jesus, we exalt You." It's a powerful statement, a declaration of our love, reverence, and adoration for Jesus Christ. But what does it really mean to exalt someone, especially Jesus? How do we do it? And why is it so important? Let's unpack this together.
Understanding Exaltation
Before we get into the how, let's clarify the what. To exalt someone means to elevate them, to lift them up, to praise them highly. It's about recognizing their worth, their value, and their significance. When we say "Jezus wij verheffen U," we're not just throwing words around; we're making a conscious decision to place Jesus above everything else in our lives. We're acknowledging His supreme authority, His unmatched love, and His unparalleled sacrifice.
Exalting Jesus isn't just a Sunday morning activity; it's a lifestyle. It's about how we think, how we act, and how we interact with the world around us. It's about letting His light shine through us in everything we do. It's about being a living testament to His grace and His truth.
The Importance of Exalting Jesus
So, why is it so important to exalt Jesus? Well, first and foremost, He deserves it! He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Alpha and the Omega. He created everything, He sustains everything, and He is worthy of all our praise. But beyond that, exalting Jesus also benefits us.
When we focus on exalting Jesus, we shift our perspective. We stop dwelling on our problems and start focusing on His power. We stop relying on our own strength and start trusting in His grace. We stop living for ourselves and start living for Him. It's a transformative experience that changes everything.
Moreover, exalting Jesus unites us. When we come together to worship Him, we transcend our differences and become one body, one family, united in our love for Him. It's a beautiful thing to witness, and it's a powerful testimony to the world.
Ways to Exalt Jesus
Now that we understand the what and the why, let's get into the how. How do we actually exalt Jesus in our daily lives? Here are a few practical ways:
1. Through Worship
Worship is probably the most obvious way to exalt Jesus. When we sing praises to Him, when we lift our hands in adoration, when we kneel before Him in humility, we are exalting Him. But worship isn't just about singing songs. It's about having a heart of gratitude and reverence. It's about recognizing His presence in our lives and responding with love and adoration.
Worship can take many forms. It can be corporate, with a group of believers, or it can be personal, in the quiet of our own hearts. It can be spontaneous, bursting forth in a moment of inspiration, or it can be planned, carefully crafted to honor Him. However we choose to worship, the key is to do it with sincerity and authenticity.
To make your worship more meaningful, try these tips:
- Prepare your heart: Before you start worshiping, take a moment to quiet your mind and focus on Jesus. Think about His goodness, His mercy, and His love.
 - Engage your emotions: Don't just go through the motions. Let your emotions flow freely. If you feel joy, express it. If you feel sorrow, bring it to Him.
 - Use your body: Worship isn't just a mental exercise; it's a physical one too. Lift your hands, clap your hands, kneel, dance – whatever feels natural and authentic to you.
 - Listen to the lyrics: Pay attention to the words you're singing. Let them sink into your heart and mind. Let them inspire you to praise Him even more.
 
2. Through Obedience
Another way to exalt Jesus is through obedience. Jesus Himself said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). When we obey His teachings, we demonstrate our love for Him. We show that we trust Him, that we believe He knows what's best for us.
Obedience isn't always easy. It often requires us to go against our own desires, to sacrifice our own comfort, to deny ourselves. But it's worth it. Because when we obey Jesus, we are not just pleasing Him; we are also aligning ourselves with His will, His purpose, and His plan for our lives.
Here are some practical ways to cultivate obedience:
- Study the Bible: The Bible is God's Word, and it contains everything we need to know about how to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Make it a habit to read the Bible regularly, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it.
 - Pray for guidance: Ask God to show you what He wants you to do. Ask Him to give you the strength and the courage to obey His commands.
 - Seek accountability: Find a trusted friend or mentor who can help you stay on track. Share your struggles with them, and ask them to pray for you.
 - Practice self-discipline: Obedience requires self-discipline. Learn to say no to your own desires, and yes to God's will.
 
3. Through Service
Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). As His followers, we are called to do the same. When we serve others, we are exalting Jesus. We are demonstrating His love, His compassion, and His grace.
Service can take many forms. It can be big, like volunteering at a homeless shelter, or it can be small, like helping a neighbor carry groceries. It can be public, like leading a ministry, or it can be private, like praying for a friend in need. However we choose to serve, the key is to do it with a heart of love and humility.
Here are some ideas for serving others:
- Volunteer at a local charity: Find an organization that is making a difference in your community, and offer your time and talents.
 - Help a neighbor: Offer to mow their lawn, rake their leaves, or shovel their snow.
 - Visit the sick or elderly: Bring them a meal, read them a book, or simply spend time with them.
 - Pray for others: Pray for their needs, their struggles, and their joys.
 
4. Through Sharing the Gospel
Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). When we share the Gospel with others, we are exalting Jesus. We are proclaiming His truth, His love, and His salvation.
Sharing the Gospel can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. You don't have to be a professional evangelist to share your faith. You can simply share your story, your testimony of how Jesus has changed your life.
Here are some tips for sharing the Gospel:
- Pray for opportunities: Ask God to open doors for you to share your faith.
 - Be prepared to share your story: Write down your testimony, and practice sharing it with others.
 - Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit: Listen to His guidance, and follow His lead.
 - Be patient and loving: Remember that it's not your job to convince people; it's your job to plant seeds. Leave the results up to God.
 
5. Through Gratitude
Finally, we can exalt Jesus through gratitude. When we are thankful for His blessings, we are acknowledging His goodness. We are recognizing His provision, His protection, and His love.
Gratitude is a choice. It's not always easy to be thankful, especially when we're going through difficult times. But it's always possible. We can always find something to be thankful for, even in the midst of our struggles.
Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude:
- Keep a gratitude journal: Write down things you're thankful for each day.
 - Express your gratitude to others: Tell them how much you appreciate them.
 - Pray with thanksgiving: Thank God for His blessings, both big and small.
 - Focus on the positive: Instead of dwelling on the negative, focus on the positive aspects of your life.
 
Conclusion
"Jezus wij verheffen U" is more than just a phrase; it's a way of life. It's about exalting Jesus in everything we do, in every thought we think, and in every word we speak. When we do that, we not only honor Him, but we also transform our own lives and impact the world around us.
So, let's make a conscious decision to exalt Jesus today and every day. Let's worship Him, obey Him, serve Him, share the Gospel, and be grateful for His blessings. Let's live lives that are pleasing to Him, lives that reflect His love, His grace, and His truth. Let's truly mean it when we say, "Jezus wij verheffen U!"