What’s something just about every church has in common? Music. While traditions and expressions may differ, music is one of the key ways followers of Jesus spend time in worship.
While worship is a word that describes a genre of music played in many churches, it also has a greater meaning.
What is worship?
In simplest terms, worship is our response to what we value the most. It’s the act of giving worth to something.
We all worship something. You can tell what someone worships by looking at where their best time, energy, and resources primarily go. It might be a hobby, a job, or a relationship. However, these are things that can’t satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. When our worship is directed to them, we wind up frustrated and full of regret (Romans 1:25).
But when we worship God, we receive his peace, comfort, and strength. Our eyes get redirected away from ourselves and onto the only one who will never fail us. We gain perspective on our problems, our temptations, and our struggles.
Specifically, there are a few fundamental things that happen when we worship God.
We’re reminded of God’s power
“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.” Hebrews 12.28-19
The word “awe” has lost some of its meaning. You might describe a taco as “awesome.” You could say your favorite sports team is “awesome.” If your husband or wife shows off a new outfit, you might say they look “awesome.” But those are just normal, ordinary things in life.
When was the last time you truly experienced awe? Maybe it was taking in the magnificent sights in a National Park or standing on the beach and looking out at the ocean. You’re getting closer to the true meaning of awe – but how much more awe should we feel toward the one who created all of that?
This is why we sing songs that declare God’s power. When we declare God’s greatness, holiness, power, and strength, we gain perspective on our own lives. God is more powerful, stronger, and infinitely able to do all things.
Songs about God’s power
“Holy Forever” by Bethel Music
“That’s The Power” by Hillsong Worship
“There’s Nothing That Our God Can’t Do” by Passion
We declare God’s goodness
“Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9
Living right beside God’s power and strength is tenderness, love, compassion, and goodness. This is why we sing songs that give voice to God’s character. We know God is good and his ways are good – even when we can’t see it – because we know his character.
Songs about God’s goodness
“This is Our God” by Phil Wickham
“Goodness of God” by Bethel Music
“Jesus Your Love For Me” by LCBC Worship
We celebrate what God has done
“Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.” 1 Chronicles 16:9
When we worship, we declare what God’s done for us. We sing songs that remind us that our sins are forgiven, and our shame is gone. We sing songs that remind us that we are chosen by God, and we are free to live with him. We sing songs that remind us that we can have hope, even in the hardest circumstances. We’re reminded that we can rest secure in who God says we are
Songs about what God has done
“Same God” by Elevation Worship
“Your Nature” by Kari Jobe
“Way Maker” by Leeland
We solidify our identity in Christ
In a world that tells us that we need to prove ourselves to be valuable – when we worship we are reminded that we can rest, secure in who God says we are – he has the final word over our lives.
Songs about our identity in Christ
“What He’s Done” by Passion
“Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong Worship
“Made For More” Josh Baldwin
Choose to worship today
Fill your day-to-day life with songs that declare truths about God and celebrate what he’s done for you. Give God the worth that he is due and be reminded that he has power over our doubts, struggles, and sin.
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The Bible has a lot to say about worship – check out some of these Bible verses!
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