Over the past few months, I️ have reflected inwardly and asked myself the poignant question, “Who (or what) do you worship?” As sports, events, family, and friends have been banned and life has slowed down, I’ve noticed a lot of unnecessary things that I️ spend my time and energy on. There are some things that I️ miss…and others I️ hope never to return.
Chase After
The things we chase after and pursue reveal our heart intentions. In other words, how do you spend your time? Exercising? Decorating? Shopping? How do you spend your money? What do you miss the most from the pre-pandemic days? And what do you cherish most now?
The truth is that we all worship. There is no such thing as not worshiping. Everybody worships something or someone. To clarify, we have been masterfully created with this in mind. The Bible tells us that one day, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phi. 2:10-11).
Worship is the end of all existence. Besides, even creation exists to reveal the glory of God and is longingly waiting for the day when it is no longer subjected to bondage and decay (Romans 8:19-23).
In Spirit and Truth
Worship is not confined to a church building, merely as a Sunday occurrence. The truth is, worship is part of who we are. Led by the Holy Spirit, worship is an inward, spiritual event rather than one defined by outward location or form. It is the truths about who God is and what God can do that spur us on to praise God. In other words, our worship is spurred by the Spirit and driven by truth.
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Jn. 4:24
True, heartfelt worship places God as more important than anything else. Not dependent on circumstances, places, or things. So, it doesn’t matter what is going on in my life…I️ can still worship God. He is worthy in good times, and in bad. Through the twists and turns of life, worship rises above what I️ see with my eyes and fixes my hope on God. Because the truth is–God is ALWAYS worthy of our worship.
Anywhere, Anytime
Since we worship “in spirit and truth”, we can give God glory at any time and in any place. Amid the current pandemic, we can sing in our living rooms at home. When I️ walk outside, I️ can praise God’s name. Also, I️ not only give glory to God with my mouth but also with good deeds. With my whole being, I️ can sing a hallelujah.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1
Knowing this truth, I️ begin to understand that I️ can enjoy the goodness and glory of God in everything that I️ do and say. Also, I️ can meditate on His Word. Find satisfaction in things above. Turn my attention to God. And love others as God does.
Fuel Worship With Truth
As the truths of God resonate with our soul, we refresh our heart intentions. For instance, the more we allow the truths of God to sink deep into our morrow, the more we are inclined to worship Him. True worship is authentic and real.
Do you need some worship inspiration today? I️ was able to catch a glimpse of my son, Comerson, belting out praise. All alone. In the living room. True, heartfelt praise.
Thank goodness, God doesn’t mind if we sing on-key or not. All He is after is our heart. So, I️ challenge you today, ask yourself…”Who (or what) do you worship?”