Weekly Devotional: The Heart of Worship

Most Christians hear the word “worship” and immediately think of music, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Music is a very common way to worship in church and in our communities. However, worship is more than just the music you hear on Sunday mornings. Worship is something we are called to do as Christians every day in everything we do.

That said, what is worship and what are some different ways to do it?

What Is Worship?

“The inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond from the heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ.” – John Piper

Before worshipping, it is important to understand why we worship and what the heart of worship truly is. So what does worship mean? To worship is to admire something or someone so deeply that your only response is extravagant love and incredible submission to that thing or person. That is what God desires of us. To know him so well, to love him so dearly and respect him so much, that our only response is to live in honor of him every day in all that we do. Worship is a response to his love and his might.

It is extremely important to point out that worship is not about us. Exalting God is not about what you can get out of it; it is about choosing to praise God and trust him regardless of your circumstances because you know him and you know that he is sovereign, loving and by your side. Worship is about praising God and giving to him, not receiving. God has already given us life, his Son on the cross, grace and the promise of eternal life. When we find ourselves falling into worship for our own gain, we need to come back to the heart of worship.

How to Worship

“And above all of these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:14-17

Worship is a response of praise to the character of God that can be manifested in many different ways. We can glorify God throughout our entire day. Worship can happen anywhere you are and in whatever you’re doing, assuming it is not sinful or against God. When you are in a hearty posture of gratitude and reverence to God, everything you do can be used to praise him.

A few of the many ways to worship God include:

• Music, Singing and Dancing (Psalm 98:1)
• Prayer (1 Chronicles 29: 10-13)
• Creativity: Filmmaking, Writing, Painting, etc. (Exodus 35:30-35)
• Exercise (Romans 12:1)
• Serving Others (1 Peter 4:10)
• Giving and Sacrifice (Genesis 22 and 2 Corinthians 9:11)
• Reading His Word (1 Timothy 4:13)
• Fasting (Luke 2:37)
• Enjoying His Creation (Psalm 63: 3-4)
• Obedience (1 Samuel 15:22)

God can truly be glorified in everything we say and do, so this list represents just a fraction of the ways you can exalt him. Whatever you do, do it for him. Honor him in all that you say and do, and he will be praised.

While worship is not about us, there is still a deep connection between us and God when we choose to praise him in good and bad circumstances. While we should not worship God for the sake of getting something in return, he is still a gracious God and gives us something anyway in the form of his presence.

Grand Canyon University is committed to following the Lord in all circumstances. If you would like to learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and mission or would like to read more devotionals please visit our website and check out the GCU Blog. Learn more about the College of Theology and its degree options by checking out our website or requesting more information with the button on this page.