Why Worship

Worship

As a noun, worship is “a feeling or expression of adoration for a deity.”  As a verb, it means to “to show reverence and adoration for a deity.”

We can worship with others, or by ourselves. We should worship with others, and by ourselves.

Scripture tells us that we are not to neglect meeting together. [Hebrews 10:25] This is because we need to encourage and exhort each other. We need each other’s example and encouragement.

We also need to spend time with Jesus, alone. He wants to hear our heartaches (even though He already knows) and He wants to hear our declaration of Who He is.

What worship does

True worship is about God, and not about us. It realigns our hearts and our feelings. When we are out of alignment with God, true worship pulls us back into alignment. Share on X Worship is focus on God, not on me. It declares the Truth of who God is.

Why we must worship

Worship is about a relationship, not about bright or dark emotions. Emotions can carry us through a moment, but they will not last for days. Relationship with Him lasts. Recognition, of Who God is, lasts.

The first time this word is used in the Bible is in the story of Abraham and Isaac. God tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Abraham journeys to the place and tells his servants, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.”

Abraham’s task was hard and heavy. Yet, when Abraham obeyed and made the journey, he was ready to worship. 

David fasted and prayed for his sick son, asking God to spare his life. Yet, when the child died, David got up, changed his clothes, and went into the house of God and worshipped.

Job lost his children, his livestock, and his wealth. Yet, when he grappled with the devastating news, Job got up, shaved his head, and fell to the ground in worship.

When I consider these men and their situations, I am amazed that they could worship God in these moments. Yet, I know He wants the same from me. He wants the same from all of us.

A lesson for today

When there are questions or heartaches, going to God in praise and adoration because of Who He is changes our conflict to confidence. Sometimes events in our lives can be a catalyst, bringing us to God. If we do this right, our emotions will change from despair to confidence. Our focus changes from “myself” to God. 

If we allow the things that can bring discouragement or defeat to bring us to God, we will find a change in our attitude when we declare His goodness. Putting the things we cherish on the altar of praise brings us to a place of adoration of Who God is. Praising God is sometimes difficult. Yet, we are told to bring the sacrifice of praise to Him. We are to acknowledge Him with our lips – by the things we say and the praises we sing!  Hebrews 13:15 tells us: Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Worship is a bold declaration of Who God is and what God has done for us. Let’s not forget to declare His glory and His Truth, whether alone or with others!

Photo credits: pixabay.com