You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 PETER 2:9 (emphasis added)
Worship — to express honor to God through extravagant respect, reverence, and devotion.
What are you grateful for? When life is good, we tend to take basic things for granted, like having enough food and a safe place to sleep, enjoying good health and people who love us, etc. But research shows that being intentional to “count our blessings” makes our lives better.1
Maybe you already practice gratitude. Do you also reflect on where your good things come from? The apostle Paul reminded his friend Timothy that God “gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17 NLT) What can we do to respond to this truth?
Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
PSALMS 29:2
Think about this: God made His own universe. He built one of His planets with an atmosphere that could sustain life, where he placed humans… and gave them everything they would ever need. And then, in spite of all our faults and failings (in fact, because of them) He invited us to join His family, adopting us as His daughters and sons. That’s reason to celebrate Him!
Lord, you are our most powerful king. Your name is famous in all the wide world.… When I look at your skies that your fingers made, I see the moon, I see the stars.… Then I ask: Why do you remember men and women? What makes you visit them? You made their place a little below God.… You made them to rule everything that your hands made. You put everything under their feet.
PSALMS 8:1, 3-8
Here are 3 practical ways we can worship God:
Sing Praise
James says that when things are going well, we should sing praises to God. Don’t know any songs you can sing to Him? Then you’re in for a real treat: you can find thousands of songs that will help you give glory to God. Whatever your taste in music, it’s a safe bet that talented artists have created worship in that style.
Challenge: Look for “worship,” “praise,” and “Christian music” on any streaming services you use. It’s worth investing some time to explore.
Thank Him in Prayer
When Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, he told them to start like this: “Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name.” It’s fine to ask God for things, but real relationship includes both take and give. But what do we have to offer God? Our honor, respect, and gratitude.
Challenge: At least once a day for the next week, go to God in prayer, and thank Him for something He’s done for you, without asking Him for anything.
Share Your Story
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to honor God by “proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” God is always working for good for the people who love Him. Isn’t it thrilling to know that God chose you for a specific purpose in His kingdom? Are you actively spreading the word about God’s goodness?
Challenge: This week, anytime you’re talking with friends, watch for natural opportunities to share some of what God is doing in your life.
These are just a few suggestions to help you start turning intimacy with God into a daily rhythm. Explore more ways to begin worshipping God in one of the Plans below.
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Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
PSALM 100:1-5
Notes
1 Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life.
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