Introductory Thought
“To worship God means to ascribe the proper worth to God, to magnify His worthiness of praise, or better, to approach and address God as He is worthy.”
My Response:
For the majority of my life growing up I associated worship solely with singing songs to God. But in the past few years I have realized worship is so much more than that. God wants me to live my life in continual worship to Him. I can do this by inviting the Lord into my day, acknowledging His greatness, enjoying His presence, and living in accordance with His will.
(For the sake of keeping things as minimally confusing as possible I want to define what I mean when I say “worship.” When I say “worship” I mean to live in a lifestyle that brings God glory. When I say “praise” I mean to sing songs to God. So praise would be considered worship but worship would not necessarily be considered praise.)
In one article, The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, the writer speaks of their weekly Sunday gatherings of worship as a church. He describes how they would read the Word as long as possible and then the pastor would teach on the readings. They would pray together as a church and then take communion while giving thanks and prayers. They would then give a tithe and distribute it to any among them who were in want. Praise was not included at all yet they considered this worship.
Worship doesn’t have to include praise. Praising is one way to worship, but reading the Word; taking communion with thanksgiving; praying in community; and being generous and providing for the needy is probably more important in a lifestyle of worship.
Simply acknowledging God and being continually thankful of His presence is a great way to worship. When Jesus Christ was crucified the veil separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was torn from top to bottom. I can now enter God’s presence always; in fact I am always in His presence as a believer. What an honor! I should acknowledge God in all things then; enjoying life with Him; and doing things knowing that He is right here with me.
In John 4 Jesus talks about worship. Just as God does not want sacrifices but a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51) He does not want fake or inauthentic worship. First off He wants me to serve Him in thanksgiving in my lifestyle. I shouldn’t worship to get in God’s good grace, to show off, or to feel good. Life is not about me. Life is all about God. Worship is about accepting who I am in relation to Him and giving Him all the glory because He is worthy and I adore Him.
Although praise is probably not the greatest way to worship, praise is an important form of worship. In Revelation 4 it talks about four creatures around the throne of God singing day after day and night after night: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty – the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” And 24 elders in their own thrones fell down before the Lord setting their crowns at His feet and sang as well: “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
Similarly, day after day and night after night I should live in worship. This doesn’t mean I have to be praising Him all the time as these creatures in Revelations 4 are; but I should be continually aware of God with awe and thanksgiving. For He is holy, holy, holy; He is eternal; He is Creator. Though it’s unrealistic to praise God continually I should spend the time and energy to praise God when I can. He is worthy of it! Praise is a humbling act. Authentic praise recognizes God for who He is. It involves recognizing that all I have is His. He deserves all I have to give.
These past couple weeks on the Race as I’ve focused on living a continual lifestyle of worship I’ve been filled with a new peace and thankfulness. I’ve done my best to acknowledge God in every moment. This has affected how I feel. I’ve been more at peace, much more thankful, and more trusting in God’s sovereignty. It has also affected how I’ve acted. It has given me new courage to step out in faith and obedience when the Lord asks me to do something. It has encouraged me to be more of a servant; to lift others up while humbling myself.
As I’ve started to worship throughout every day life (to the best of my ability as I learn) I’ve also started to take the time to be still with God and to enjoy the little things in life. God is with me so I have every reason to rejoice in all circumstances. But especially in little things I enjoy I can rejoice that the Lord is with me enjoying them with me. I don’t need to ever feel alone or lonely because God is always with me.
As I continue to go throughout the Race and throughout life I want to continue to learn to live in worship. I want to continue to acknowledge God in all things. For there is true joy in His presence. My spirit has felt a new joy and peace beyond understanding as I’ve started to live in a lifestyle of worship. And I know I’ve only just scratched the surface! God has so much more to reveal to me as I better learn to remember and acknowledge Him in everything.
