By Ann Farabee
As one dwells on worship, the realization that there are many ways to worship will appear as a truth that is undeniable.
Since worship should be an ongoing part of our lives, why not practice it often? Why not implement worship into our daily lives to an even greater level?
There are many ways to worship. Everyone will not worship in the same way. What we should know for sure is that we are all called to worship.
1 Chronicles 16 tells us to give thanks unto the Lord, to call upon His name, to make known His deeds among the people, to sing unto Him, to sing psalms to Him, to talk of His wondrous works, to glory in His Holy name, to let our heart rejoice when we seek the Lord, to remember His marvelous works — and also one of my favorite spiritual thoughts — to be mindful of His covenant. I got out of breath typing those words and felt a Holy Spirit tingle — be mindful of His covenant!
A covenant is a promise. Aren’t you thankful that we can be mindful of the covenant from God to His people, that if we know Him as our personal Savior, we will have eternal life? The promises of God will always be there for us!
What a mighty God we serve! To worship Jesus is not only a privilege, it is also something God desires from us. It is a way our spirit touches God’s spirit. Worshiping God comes first — because there are no other gods that come before Him. Worship brings change — always for the good of His people.
How to worship? Worship with your heart. Worship in God’s presence in the sanctuary of our churches, in our homes, in our hearts and in our lives. The presence of God is available everywhere every time!
As a teenager, I was part of a church where people lifted their hands in worship as the choir sang. It was all new to me, but I had no doubts about it.
Why no doubts? I looked for Bible verses to confirm. Psalm 134:2 — Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.
There was also Psalm 150:1 — Praise ye the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in the firmament of his power!
We worship because we have a dependency on the Lord, and we worship in order to experience the Lord.
We need to be willing to worship.
We worship as a sacrifice of praise to the Lord, putting our minds and hearts completely on Him. We worship as a continual offering of thanksgiving to our Savior. Worship is submission to God.
And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. — Matthew 2:10-11
The wise men rejoiced! They worshiped Jesus.
But, worship is not just for the Christmas season. Worship should be our lifestyle.
When I accepted Christ as a 13-year-old, I was thankful for a youth pastor named Bobby Childress, who helped our youth group learn about Jesus. We practiced praying and reading God’s Word during youth meetings at church. The next thing I knew, I was reading my Bible at home and underlining verses that stood out to me during my times of private worship and Bible reading in my bedroom. I began to study, pray and worship on my own. I had been guided by church leaders who helped mold the direction of my life.
It is not too late for you to accept Christ! I promise!
Ask Jesus into your heart. It will be the greatest and most important decision you make in your life. Jesus changes everything.
