I’m going to say something potentially controversial — especially when you consider, Ephesians 2:8-9, which reads,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
We need to worship like our life depends upon it, because it does.
Our spiritual lives are our true lives. The flesh gets us around and needs feeding: physically, emotionally, intellectually. Relationships, interaction with others, brings joy!
BUT real life, lasting life, springs from GOD through the Spirit and so, our spiritual lives thrive in connection with the Holy Spirit.
The key way we can connect our spirit to the Holy Spirit is through worship. It isn’t the only way, because prayer and time in the Word of GOD are key too. But in society today times are tough and getting tougher. To bring us life out of the darkness, worship is key.
Worship is Joyful
When we worship GOD, whether in song which is the most common traditionally, or through dance, art, our daily work, our hobbies of sport or arts, we are sharing ourselves with Him. We are thanking Him. We are releasing ourselves to Him. We are trusting Him. And in all this is fullness of joy!
Worship is Hopeful
When we focus our attention on Yehovah GOD through our worship, we are declaring our faith in Him, in His existence. We worship Him, thanking Him, seeking His face, and trusting He will receive from us. This is a demonstration of Hope, for faith is the substance behind our worship, and faith is the substance of all that we hope for. Hope lifts us out of fear, doubt, and takes us into the love of GOD, into His very presence. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Worship is an expression of ourselves
When we worship freely, we are releasing our voices, bodies, minds to express ourselves. This is an aim. Just as David danced with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14), we can give ourselves permission to let go and express our love and thanksgiving to GOD, our fears and doubts, our hopes and joys, our regret and repentance. We can trust GOD to accept our sacrifice of worship (Psalm 27:6 & Hebrews 13:15)
Worship is combat
There is another crucial element to worship which is not wholly known and practised and that is worship as warfare,
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
I cannot stress enough the value and importance of recognising the value of corporate worship in the spiritual battles against the enemy. The more we feel like resisting expression, the more we are oppressed verses the more we release expression, the stronger our weaponry against the enemy.
Ephesians 6:10-13 reads,
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
When we literally stand to worship, and speak out scripture in song, or when we make commitment to GOD through the words we say, we are declaring GOD in our lives. When we do that, we are sending the enemy packing.
When we are together in corporate worship, we are as an army against the powers of darkness, whether we feel good, or do not feel like worshipping. When we declare, express, lift up our hands, dance, sing, play instruments and/or express devotion in some way or another, not only does it have the power to cheer us and delight us, but it cheers and delights our Father in heaven.… And the demons flee!
So let us worship in Spirit and in Truth
And so, let us all worship (celebrate GOD) in Spirit (by the leadership of the Spirit of GOD who lives in us) and in Truth (using truths and scriptures that are from GOD’s Word), and let us push back the enemy (satan, destroyer, and his principality and powers) and draw near to GOD (our Creator Father in heaven)… so that He will draw near to us. (James 4:8)
Amen