Scripture gives us many examples of people doing something to worship God. Worship is a response from us to God as we experience Him and His presence. In Matthew chapter 17, we see Peter respond to the majesty of Jesus during the Transfiguration — he wanted to build tents and stay for a long time in God’s presence. We see John fall facedown in the book of Revelation when confronted with the awesome (and even frightening) appearance of Jesus himself. We see David dance before the Lord in 2 Samuel chapter 6, demonstrating joy in his worship of God. Whenever we have a sensory experience that encounters God, whether through His Word (understanding), creation (seeing, smelling), praise and worship music (listening, singing), or other ways – worship is our response in those moments.
What do I do to worship God? There are my temporal “in the moment” responses, such as singing, praying, or spending time with Him. These examples remind me of times I used to walk into a room and encounter one of my children when they were young: the love I have for them compelled me to get down on their level for a big hug. This was not a planned response on my part, but was a big part of building relationship — I responded to them with the love that was continually present in my heart. This same kind of love should be evident in my relationship with God; since I have an ever-growing love in my heart for the Lord, I should be ready at any moment to respond to Him with words, songs, actions and other responses of worship. The book of Psalms is filled with these kinds of expressions of worship from the writer toward God. This kind of worship should not have to be a planned thing — my love for Him should be continually overflowing and should provide motivation for me to express worship to Him in all kinds of situations.
Although those in-the-moment responses are a vital aspect of responding in worship, they do not give a total picture of what worship is. I must also worship God through the choices I make in my life. Referencing the above example of loving my kids, I also show love to them through intentional actions that require thought and planning on my part. For instance, I might go and buy one of them a gift (something that took preparation, planning and even financial sacrifice). Or, I might also choose to prioritize time in my schedule to join them in an activity they enjoy. In the same way, I make choices to worship God with my life. I choose to give, to serve others, to abide by His Word, to live with righteousness, to resist sin and temptation, to fast and pray — each of which is a response to God’s character, commands, holiness and direction. However, instead of being spontaneous responses that happen “in the moment,” these things are commitments I make on an ongoing basis to honor and worship the Lord Jesus in my life.
What do I do to worship God? There are my temporal “in the moment” responses, such as singing, praying, or spending time with Him. These examples remind me of times I used to walk into a room and encounter one of my children when they were young: the love I have for them compelled me to get down on their level for a big hug. This was not a planned response on my part, but was a big part of building relationship — I responded to them with the love that was continually present in my heart. This same kind of love should be evident in my relationship with God; since I have an ever-growing love in my heart for the Lord, I should be ready at any moment to respond to Him with words, songs, actions and other responses of worship. The book of Psalms is filled with these kinds of expressions of worship from the writer toward God. This kind of worship should not have to be a planned thing — my love for Him should be continually overflowing and should provide motivation for me to express worship to Him in all kinds of situations.
Although those in-the-moment responses are a vital aspect of responding in worship, they do not give a total picture of what worship is. I must also worship God through the choices I make in my life. Referencing the above example of loving my kids, I also show love to them through intentional actions that require thought and planning on my part. For instance, I might go and buy one of them a gift (something that took preparation, planning and even financial sacrifice). Or, I might also choose to prioritize time in my schedule to join them in an activity they enjoy. In the same way, I make choices to worship God with my life. I choose to give, to serve others, to abide by His Word, to live with righteousness, to resist sin and temptation, to fast and pray — each of which is a response to God’s character, commands, holiness and direction. However, instead of being spontaneous responses that happen “in the moment,” these things are commitments I make on an ongoing basis to honor and worship the Lord Jesus in my life.
My life in Jesus is not complete with only one of these types of worship. If I am a person who looks for God and responds in worship spontaneously, but I don’t live a life of submission and commitment to Him daily, I cannot say I am a worshiper of God. Conversely, my overt responses of worship will be nothing but hypocrisy if I don’t make choices to demonstrate a heart that is submitted to the lordship of Jesus on a daily basis. I want both — a soft heart that is always ready to worship Jesus my Savior, and a submitted heart that is obedient in sacrifices and choices for Jesus my Lord.
Brent
bmills@b4church.org
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