The Essence of Worship

Worship is not simply something that happens on a Sunday morning as we stand among our fellow congregants and we feel the presence of the Lord. Worship also happens when we are in our darkest hour and we affirm his sovereignty no matter what our circumstance. It is not until we go through a situation like David‘s or Job’s that we can prove to ourselves that we are worshipers. It is in stressful situations that our true colors are revealed, and we discover if we are true worshipers or not. It is not until we worship in the hardest of times that we know what it means to be a true worshiper.

Worship is something that we learn. Psalm 89:15 tells us, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You.” We are not born with this talent. It is not some gift that is possessed by a few. Worship is simply expressing oneself to God, and we must learn that expression and open our hearts to become conduits of the Holy Spirit.

Our ability to worship is learned through application. It is learned by experience. Just like our ability to pray effectively, it is learned by doing it.

Don’t become impatient if you’re not able to worship now as you desire. Learning the art of worship does not come easily and it is a lengthy process. The lessons that God allows to come our way may be dramatic (ie. Abraham, Job, or David). If we respond positively rather than wallowing in our circumstances, it will help us to grow as worshipers.

Psalm 42:7 states, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls.” The deep within us—the expression from the deepest part of our soul that affirms the sovereignty of God regardless of the trying circumstances we may face. Worship is the deep within us crying out to the deep in God.

Our desire to worship God is placed in us by God Himself. Worship is born in the heart of God. The Holy Spirit initiates worship in the heart of man and he is vitally involved in our worship.

Comfort

There's nothing like a comfortable chair

I am at home in the presence of God and comforted by the Holy Spirit.

Surrounded by comfortable items—like a well-worn pair of blue jeans, a warm bathrobe or a favorite chair—I feel at home and relaxed. While these are physical comforts, there is a spiritual comfort that lies beyond the material things of this world.

Jesus declared, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” This Comforter—the Holy Spirit—is always with me. The Holy Spirit comforts my soul, eases my mind and calms my emotions.

When I center my thoughts on God and wrap myself in the awareness of God’s presence, I experience the ultimate comfort. Filled with the Holy Spirit, I am home.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things.

—John 14:26 (KJV)