On Worship

This is actually a modified version of a devotion I used to give at camp that the kids told me they got a lot out of and saw God through. I figured if it gave them that kind of experience and connection it couldn't hurt to put it here. In fact, it may touch the spiritual lives of more people this way. I certainly hope and pray that it does; I knew it would go far when I heard Him saying to plan it.

Now, with that introduction out of the way...

Worship is a word we use in the faith pretty commonly. One of several definitions in the dictionary is "the acts or rites that make up a formal expression of reverence for a deity; a religious ceremony or ceremonies," which I think can cause some misconception as to what worship actually is and what it means.

When I asked the kids at camp what worship was, the first thing out of their mouths generally had to do with the singing part of a service. That's a great way to worship, and personally I do a great deal of worshipping through song. But it's not the only way.

The dictionary definition I like best is "the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity." That brings what worship is all about into the meaning of the word: reverence and adoration for God. Expressing that can be done in many ways, through song or prayer or reading the Bible. There are as many ways to worship as there are people on this earth.

One way that I think gets left out of a lot of people's ways they first think of, though, is through silence. In Psalm 46:10, He says, "Be still, and know that I am God!"

So, I would ask you to take a moment and do exactly that. Be still and know that He is God. If you can, getting outside is a great place to do this, but it'll work anywhere. Just close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you, knowing that God created everything making those sounds. Then open your eyes and look around you, knowing that God created everything you see. In there somewhere, I guarantee there will be something you want to thank God for creating.

God has created so much for us, and we typically take so little time to truly appreciate His creation. One of the best ways I've found to adore and revere Him is to get outside and look at what He's made. Of course, He also made everyone around us, too, and we shouldn't leave that out of our moments of appreciation.

I look around at nature and at the people surrounding me and I want to worship. I want to honor the God who made all that. I invite you to join me in that worship.