Worship has to do with ascribing to the Lord worth or value. It aligns with the first commandment: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). As we explore this topic, we find that worship is the reason why we were created and the ultimate expression of our lives.
The angelic beings, who are constantly before the throne of God, embody this truth, holding the greatest position and authority in the heavenly hierarchy due to their continual worship of the Creator (Revelation 4:8-11). Worship is not merely a Sunday practice but a lifestyle that permeates every dimension of our being.
1. Worship through tears
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.
In the Psalms, we find David crying out to God in moments of anguish and repentance. Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Worship through tears reflects vulnerability and total dependence on God. Hannah, in 1 Samuel 1, poured out her soul before the Lord through weeping. Tears in worship are a form of surrender that acknowledges God as the only true source of comfort, healing, and restoration. When we worship through tears, we are declaring, even in pain, that He is worthy of our trust and praise.
2. Worship through gifts
The act of bringing gifts in worship dates back to Cain and Abel. In Matthew 2:11, the Magi presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Christ. This signifies that worship includes our material possessions and resources. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Worship through giving demonstrates our reverence, honor, and faith in God as our Provider. When we release our resources for God’s purposes — whether in tithes, offerings, or acts of generosity — we are saying, “Lord, you are worthy of it all.”
3. Worship through prophetic music
Music is a powerful medium for prophetic worship. In 1 Samuel 16:23, when David played his harp, the distressing spirit tormenting Saul departed. The Psalms, filled with both praise and lament, are examples of prophetic songs that bring revelation, comfort, and breakthroughs. Worship through prophetic music declares the heart and purposes of God. It creates an atmosphere where God’s presence is manifested, strongholds are broken, and hearts are transformed. This kind of worship aligns us with heaven’s melody, inviting divine intervention into earthly situations.
4. Worship through work
Colossians 3:23 instructs us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Worship is not confined to the sanctuary; it extends to our workplace, where we glorify God through excellence, diligence, and integrity. The Reformers, such as Martin Luther, taught that all work done unto the Lord is sacred. Whether you are a teacher, artist, businessperson, or parent, your work can be an offering of worship that testifies to God’s worthiness and reflects His creative and sustaining power.
5. Worship through obedience
1 Samuel 15:22 reminds us, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Obedience is the highest form of worship because it demonstrates love, trust, and reverence for God’s Word. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac was an act of worship that proved his unreserved faith in God (Genesis 22:5). Jesus, in John 14:15, said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Obedience aligns our hearts with God’s will, bringing about His purposes in our lives and communities. True worship is not just words; it is walking in step with His commands.
6. Worship through singing
Singing is one of the most visible and powerful expressions of worship. Psalm 95:1 declares, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” Singing combines our hearts, minds, and voices to proclaim God’s worthiness. When Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison (Acts 16:25), their worship caused a literal breakthrough. Singing in worship uplifts our spirits, unifies the body of Christ, and serves as both a personal and corporate declaration of God’s glory and power.
7. Worship through gratitude
Gratitude is foundational to biblical worship. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” When we express thanksgiving, we acknowledge God’s faithfulness and goodness. Gratitude shifts our focus from our struggles to His sovereignty. The leper who returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:11-19) exemplified gratitude as worship. A thankful heart magnifies God, fostering a deeper intimacy with Him and reminding us of His continuous work in our lives.
8. Worship through walking like Jesus
Ephesians 5:1-2 calls us to “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Worship is not just what we say or sing but how we live. When we walk like Jesus — in humility, service, and love — we reflect His image to the world. Jesus lived a life of worship by always pointing to the Father’s glory (John 17:4). Our daily choices to imitate Christ become a continual offering of worship that draws others to Him.
9. Worship through creativity
Our God is the Creator, and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). Creativity, therefore, is an act of worship that reflects His nature. Whether through art, music, writing, or innovation, using our creative gifts for God’s glory is a powerful expression of worship. Exodus 35:30-35 shows how Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with the Spirit to create works of beauty for the Tabernacle. Creative expressions in worship allow us to honor God, inspire others, and proclaim His majesty in tangible and transformative ways.
10. Worship through biblical meditation
Psalm 1:2 says, “Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Biblical meditation, also known as Lectio Divina (divine reading), involves prayerfully reading, reflecting, and internalizing Scripture. This ancient practice enables us to commune with God, align our minds with His truth, and respond in worship. Joshua 1:8 promises that meditating on God’s Word brings success and fruitfulness. As we meditate, we worship by surrendering our thoughts to His revelation and allowing His Word to transform us.
True biblical worship is multifaceted and holistic. It transcends a Sunday service or a specific posture; it is a lifestyle that encompasses tears, gifts, obedience, creativity, and gratitude. Worship is ultimately about ascribing the highest worth to God in every area of life. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). May we embrace these aspects of worship and live lives that glorify Him in all we do.
Dr. Joseph Mattera is renowned for addressing current events through the lens of Scripture by applying biblical truths and offering cogent defenses to today’s postmodern culture. To order his bestselling books or to join the many thousands who subscribe to his acclaimed newsletter, go to www.josephmattera.org.
