“…For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 (NLT)

In his book, “Whatever Happened to Worship?” Dr. A. W. Tozer declared that “worship is the missing crown jewel in evangelical Christianity.” He also stated that much of what we call worship isn’t worship at all. Many scholars have tried to define worship but concluded that worship is easier to express than to define.

Humankind was created to worship God, yet, true worshippers are rare—hard to find. Jesus announced to the woman at the well that His Father was seeking such to worship Him. It seems that A. W. Tozer’s thoughts are from the heart of God. God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Worship is life’s most significant expression of God. When we neglect to worship God, we forfeit many of our rights and privileges as a child of God.

We tend to toss around the word worship somewhat loosely without having a revelation of the depth of what it means to worship the way God prescribes. Unlike praise, worship always exudes from a revelation of who God is, not just what He has done. We can praise God from afar, but worship is up close and personal—face to face. It’s an intimate love relationship.

What is worship? The English word “worship” that we use today comes from an Old English word “worthy-ship.” It means to ascribe worth to. We can ascribe worth to anything we deem valuable. When God is the object of our worship, we are ascribing worth to Him.

My definition for worship is: entering into the presence of God and enjoying His fellowship.

When we give ourselves over to God—whether in singing, reading the Word, dancing, praying, working, caring for our families, or driving on the freeway—we are ascribing worth to God. He meets us where we are, and fellowship takes place. Worship is a lifestyle—it’s who we are. We can worship anytime and anywhere.

Worship flows from the heart. It isn’t some mindless activity that we do because we are prompted to do so. Once we have experienced the spiritual realm with God, we aren’t satisfied with anything less. Our spirit will continue to yearn to meet with God. There is joy, peace, comfort, healing, and deliverance in worship. This is why the enemy hates to see us worshiping God; not only does he crave it for himself, but he also knows it is a safe place. It’s a place where he can’t control, and God is exalted.

True worship is complete abandonment. During worship, worshipers forget about time, agendas, and surroundings. They are lost and engulfed in the sweetness and glory of the Holy One. Worship is a humbling experience because flesh must die. According to 1 Corinthians 1:29, “ . . . no flesh should glory in His presence.”

Many people can’t enter into this type of glory experience because their flesh hinders them. Pride stands at the door and cries, “You don’t want to look stupid.” “You don’t want to seem weak.” “You don’t want to lose control.” “What will others think of you?” “And besides, all of this isn’t necessary.” That’s why Jesus proclaimed, “. . . If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The old man must die, and our minds renewed if we are going to give our all to the King of Glory.

David, the king of Israel, was a worshiper. He exalted the name of the Lord and invited us to join in the celebration.

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Psalm 95:6

“Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool—He is holy.” Psalm 99:5

“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2

While talking to Satan,Jesus made is clear,  “…For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'” Matthew 4:10

Beloved, we can give God what He needs now, or we can do it later. “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Rev. 13:8.

Declare…

Lord, I will worship You!

Posted by on Wednesday, May 20th, 2020 @ 12:01AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational