From the beginning of our day till the end, we are called to worship. The Bible says, “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.” (Psalm 99:5, NIV) The holiness of God should permeate the way we live. To be holy means to be set apart and spiritually pure. When we focus on God as we wake up each day and tune our hearts and minds to Him and His ways, we encounter His holiness. This encounter helps us see God in His greatness and goodness. It also helps us see ourselves in our sinfulness and neediness.
Worship paves the way for our focus, values, perspectives, priorities, and outlooks to change. This change helps us embrace the eternal things of God over the temporary things of man.
An example of worship changing the direction of an individual’s life took place in Isaiah 6. Isaiah was in the presence of God and immediately knew his sinfulness. He said, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty,” (Isaiah 6:5). God cleansed Isaiah of his sin, and Isaiah’s response was profound. He said, “Here am I, send me,” (Isaiah 6:8).
For just a moment, imagine waking up each day and saying, “Here am I, send me!” Of course in today’s world it would sound a little different. It might sound like this: “Lord, help me to share my faith.” “Lord, show me how to love and serve others.” “Lord, help me to teach my kids Your ways.” “Lord, remind me to be a good example at work.” What if desires like these became the norm of our lives rather than the exception?
Many Christians want to live the type of life that leads others to see Jesus in us. We want to have a desperate dependence upon Him!
How can it happen? God’s Word teaches about the importance of slowing down, taking a deep breath, and focusing on God. In one word, God’s Word teaches us to worship.
Worship should be at the foundation of our lives. When we worship, we focus on God. When we focus on God, we hear from Him. When we hear from Him, we have the chance to live in obedience. When we live in obedience, we demonstrate a thriving life in Christ that is full of meaning and purpose.
Maybe you have never considered worship to be a vital part of your day. If so, think about this. Worship is more than music alone. Worship should be a way of life. Worship occurs when we understand that we need our hearts and minds to be tuned to God every day. When this occurs, our lives are positioned to honor God in every way.
Today, take a moment and stop. Just stop. Close your eyes, bow your head, and connect with the One who created you. When you do, your life will be changed. He is calling your name right now. Run to Him and find peace and hope and rest.