The Reverence of Worship

God is awesome. Yet, He seeks to have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with each one of us. We have been created for a higher purpose for God, but we often fall short due to a lack of faith and the sin that conquers us. Sin is an indelible stain on the soul. It is the awesome, mighty God who gave His Son to die for us so that our sins would be washed away. Through that one act, God has proven for all time that He loves us. We must embrace the one who took our place, Hebrews 2.9.

Isn't it amazing to think how God has set us free and through Him we find meaning, purpose, and significance? He has made everything new, 2 Corinthians 5.17. He has given us life! Now we live for Him. With this, our hearts should leap in praise! Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth, Psalm 8.9. So as we gather for worship on this day, the thought that His favor has rained down upon us should move us to profound reverence. I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous works. I will rejoice and boast about you; I will sing about your name, Most High, Psalm 9.1-2.

What is Worship?
Worship is the natural response to God's amazing grace. It is in worship that God is magnified. It is in worship where our view of God is expanded. It is in worship where we are reminded of the need for humility. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord's greatness with me; let us exalt his name together, Psalm 34.1-3. Note carefully where the focus lies ... we worship God in a way that brings Him glory -- not us.

Worship Happens When Your Spirit responds to God
Hallelujah! Give praise, servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be blessed both now and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the LORD be praised, Psalm 113.1-3. We must worship God from the heart. Jesus mentioned this on several occasions:

• John 4.23-24 – God wants our head and our heart.
• Matthew 15.8 – God wants true hearts to worship Him.
• Matthew 23.23-24 – A lifeless religion of obligation and routine is rejected by God. We must never replace the need to know God with a quest for knowledge about God.

The point of worship is not activity, even right activity, but intimacy with God.

God wants Our Reverence and Passion
How do you approach worship? Are you prepared? The worship service is a special time each week where we present ourselves to God in respect and honor. It is not a social hour. It is not casual. Worship takes us to a higher level and will be seen in the way we approach God with respect.

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let’s go to the house of the LORD", Psalm 122.1.
God wants our passion. Can you repeat this Psalm along with David? There was emotion involved when David approached God. Worship needs to capture our heart and should be expressed in emotional ways.

Conclusion
May God help us develop a deeper appreciation for who He is and what He has done. God wants to get below the surface and reach your heart. He wants to touch the innermost part of your being. He wants us to reach back.