What Does It Mean To Worship?Sample

We worship by surrendering our will to God.

We must never rest until everything inside us worships God. —A.W. Tozer

That statement from Tozer is a tall order, isn’t it? “Everything inside us, God? Really? How about 73% of what’s inside us? Is that enough? Can we keep 27% of our own will, and do things our way?” We could, but it would be in our best interest to surrender all. Do not be misled: surrendering your will shows anything but timidity. It’s one of the most laborious things you’ll ever do. Yet, it can be one of the most freeing and peaceful acts at the same time.

We are blitzed, pestered, and harassed on every side with “stuff” that is vying for our attention. And not just stuff, but events, ideas, dreams, mindsets and plans that seem to be amazing. They appear to make sense in a society that has vaccinated itself against God. But God calls us to a higher standard. 

One where we cast aside our own agenda for a higher purpose. 
One that will introduce us to “His good, pleasing and perfect will.” 

As Christ followers, we are called to fulfill His purpose, not ours. To love Him with our whole hearts, disregarding all else that competes for our devotion. To love others as much as we love ourselves. (And that's a whole lot.) To make His name known, and to build His legacy, rather than ensuring that our name is known. 

What if, in the midst of the temptations this world throws at us, we choose not to conform to the standards that everyone else seems to think are normal or, even worse, expected? What if we instead yield our will to what He calls us to do? We’re called to push all of our affection to a loving God who adores us — not to worship the material possessions that this world offers. 

This God that we get to spend the rest of our days worshiping is good. His plans are spectacular, and He invites us to join Him. Even the most outrageous and dazzling ideas we have for a good life aren’t even in the same universe as the plans He has for us. 

Our God is mighty, majestic, all-knowing, and non-slumbering. He is the founder of the world, the maker of the seas, the wind-rider, the star-namer, the sin-forgiver and the joy-giver. God is holy, good, great, and the healer of the brokenhearted. And He loves us so much.

Now, let’s spend the rest of our days worshiping Him.

Reflect

• Read through Psalm 96, and declare it to your God as you do.
• Ask God to reveal to you any purposes or plans you’ve set in place that are not His best. 
• Write down any revelation that God speaks to you through today’s Bible reading or devotional.