Gianna Gonzalez, Grace Family Church Carrollwood
I keep seeing a post float around on Instagram that says.“Let my worship be more than my singing.” But, what does that mean? How else do I worship? These questions prompted me to do a little digging.
What is worship?
noun
1. the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.
verb
1. show reverence and adoration for (a deity); honor with religious rites.
Worship can be an action we can participate in, not just on Sunday mornings but each and every day. Why do we need a band and a leader to call us to worship? Can we find time daily to show adoration to God? I wish I could recall which GFC pastor said this, but I heard it in a message and it's stuck with me for a while since I have been attending Grace Family Church.
"Worship. Worth-Ship. What do you put worth in?"
Worship. It takes away our focus from ourselves and our temporary suffering and reminds us of heaven.
Worship. It gives us peace even when it doesn’t make any sense. Worship connects us with the only person who gives us peace, and that is Jesus.
Sometimes we stand in the sanctuary on Sundays, and we lift our hands and sing out loud and give all the glory. Sometimes we may more quietly mouth the words that are placed on the screen. Sometimes we stay quiet, close our eyes, and feel Gods presence in that moment. Those are all worshiping.
And, on days that aren't Sunday? How can we continue to worship when the music ends? Well, my friends, worship is so much more than music. Whatever we are bringing to the world and making the focus about God, that is a form of worship. Praying, cooking for people, telling people about Jesus’s love, volunteering, reading our bible, journaling, listening to music or podcasts, etc. can all be types of worship!
“Worship is a lifestyle and a way you choose to operate your life.” That’s what my friend Caroline Banegas says in her podcast called, “The Worshiper’s Podcast”.
She starts with the scripture Colossians 3:23. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." If your intention is working for the Lord, that’s your worship! You’re not working to please anyone but God. We are not called to do what makes us happy or fulfill our desires of the heart, we are called to do what glorifies God in all that we do.
In Romans 12:1-2 Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters (talking to Christians), in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Here are some tips for how we can worship God daily:
1) Start each day with God-Spend 5-10 minutes with Him.
2) Pray Intentionally (Episode 2 of The Worshiper’s Podcast hits on this!).
3) Enjoy God’s creation-Go outside!
4) Love God-Thank God for something.
5) Love People-Tell someone about Gods unconditional love
6) Love Yourself-Give yourself a compliment
Worship is our weapon! Happy Worshiping 😊