“But I will sing of Your strength; I will sing aloud of Your steadfast love in the morning.” — Psalm 59:16 (ESV)
What is Worship?
What is worship through song? When we go to church or gather with other believers, why do we sing? Clearly not everyone finds singing or music to be their greatest passion, so why do we do it?
Worship is first and foremost about the longing of God for unfettered relationship with His people. In authentic worship, we can touch the heart of our Creator — satisfying the desires of He who paid the highest price simply to have us. Scripture is clear that God loves when we sing to Him and about Him. Ephesians 5:18-19 tells us to “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” John 4:23 states, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.”
God loves worship. He longs for it. Think of that! You have an opportunity every day, through worship, to satisfy the heart of the One who paints sunsets, breathes life into dust and forms mountains, galaxies, animals, angels and humankind with just the power of His voice. You bring your Creator immense joy and satisfaction when you worship through singing.
You see, God is after your heart. He’s after direct connection from His Spirit to yours. Music has this profound ability to reach past our limited understanding and help our heart connect with He who is limitless and eternal. It serves as an avenue for this cyclical, reciprocal act of love and devotion between the Creator and the created. In worship, we discover the reality of God on a level different than reading Scripture or spending time in prayer or community. In worship, we can sing to God songs of adoration, thanksgiving, high praise, and unadulterated love in response to His character, nearness and devotion. Simply put, in worship we give and receive that which is most important — love.
Whether you normally engage in personal worship right now or not, know that you were created to worship. You were made to connect directly with the heart of God. As you engage in the act of worship you will discover the nearness of a God so filled with steadfast love and devotion for you that everything changes. As you consistently touch the heart of the Father your life will be transformed by His limitless grace and passionate pursuit. Engaging in worship will result in an overflowing, unquenchable joy, as there is no greater experience than that of a perfect God meeting with an imperfect person.
Take time in guided prayer to reflect on the importance of worship and connect directly with the heart of your Heavenly Father. May your time be marked by a greater revelation of His nearness and love.
— Craig Denison, First15
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