John 4:23 "Yet
a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the
Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father
seeks." AMP Bible
When we think of
worship we think of singing at church.
Music and singing is a vital part of worship; it is a form of but not
the actual worship. There are many
different forms of worship besides singing and music: giving tithes, helping others, prayer
meetings, Bible Studies, etc. but worship, by Webster’s definition is
reverence, loving devotion, and idolizing.
These are the inward attitudes we have that motivate the outward forms
of worship. The key is what worship is
focused on.
Colossians 3:16
tells us to let the Word have its home in our hearts and minds and actually
dwell in us, not only so that we teach and admonish one another in all wisdom
but that we also with gratitude in our hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual
songs TO GOD. “…true worshipers will worship the Father…” (John 4:23) He is our focus.
Worship is not
limited to Church, but should be an every day, every hour part of our
lives. “And whatever you do (no matter what it is) in word or deed, do
everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in dependence upon His person,
giving praise to God the Father through Him,” Colossians 3:17. When you get up in the morning give God
reverence; acknowledge Him with the first breath you take after waking up. When you go about your morning chores or work
think about Him in loving devotion. As
you go through your day take moments to idolize Him, making Him preeminent over
everything else going on in your day.
Let me share with
you something I read recently regarding worship;
“I've come to the
conclusion that it is almost impossible to come to church on Sunday morning and
have a meaningful worship experience if I haven't worshiped during the week in
my own time with God. It's like the little child who comes to a birthday party
expecting to be the honored guest; everything revolves around them for that
moment. How many times have we been that little child when it comes to our
worship on Sunday? "Dada, I'm here!” I can almost see God shaking His head
wondering why we can't get it right. The party isn't about us; it's about Him
and all He's done for us. There would be no reason to celebrate had there not
been a cross, I'm not worthy to be at His party except for the blood that
washed me clean and lets me stand in His presence. Try worshiping for seven
days by yourself and then coming to church to worship with other Christians,
you'll never view worship the same again.”
- Terri Pettyjohn
Worship is the
heartfelt acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in EVERY thing we
do.
I challenge you to
start right now. Put your focus on
Him. Find ways to worship Him throughout
today, every hour, minute by minute.
Take little moments to think about Him.
At this very moment let your love for Him swell up in your spirit and
tell Him you love Him. He is waiting for
you with open arms.