Faith | What is worship? The definition is found in this ‘Good Book’
Worship.
In the dictionary, this noun describes the feeling, or the expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. As a verb, worship is the action of showing reverence for a deity.
In the Bible, worship is one of the greatest overarching themes.
Worshiping God is a logical and privileged response to an almighty, holy, loving, creator God of the Universe when one has placed their trust in him as their Savior and Lord. In this context, God desires to be worshiped.
He desires adoration. He desires gratitude. He wants a meaningful relationship with you, and to bless you abundantly. In Exodus 20:1-5, we’re told not to have any other gods before him, that he is a jealous God. In Romans 12:1-2, we’re urged to give our bodies and minds in worship unto the Lord.
The Bible (Col. 3:23) also tells us to do all things heartily unto the Lord.
My worship begins in my prayer life. I thank God for who he is, for treating me with mercy. There are ways he has spared me from many bad things I deserve, and has given me grace in the form of many good things that I have done nothing to deserve. Even when things may turn out badly, God has it under control for my ultimate welfare, and within his purpose.
From the Bible and personal experience, I find the need and desire to be more intentional in my worship of the Lord throughout the day. Worship, after all, is the personal expression of adoration of a created being to the supreme God of the Universe. It should be an ongoing action in our lives.
I believe that worship should focus one’s heart-response to the Lord regardless of circumstances. It is not necessarily an outward expression, but rather a reflection of genuine reverence for the Lord.
Our worship may be expressed corporately in songs, musical instruments, or inwardly in the form of private devotions. In whatever way we choose, it should be born out of love for God, and possess a response of commitment to obey and please him.
Worship is also not limited to a physical location like a temple or church. It is offered from the spirit, the heart, and the mind giving all the glory and honor to the Lord. Nor is worship based or limited to a man-made tradition or burdened by ritual.
To discover examples of worship, the Bible has countless stories from cover to cover starting with Genesis through Revelation. The story of Job is one example of worship for all seasons of life—seasons of joy and celebration, or seasons of sorrow and grief. Even in the worst of times, Job never stopped worshiping God.
We are designed to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. We are called to obey and honor him in all we think, say and do. As a result, it spills over to loving others as ourselves.
I know that God is delighted when Christians worship him for being their loving Creator and living a life that honors him. In return, God gives us inner joy and peace now, and ultimately eternal happiness beyond our wildest dreams in his heavenly kingdom if we trust in his son Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Lee Walter is Sunday School superintendent at Columbia Bible Church in Kennewick and vice chairman of the Tri-Cities Child Evangelism Fellowship. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.
