Worship is something that we all know, or at least we think we do. We often use the word so flippantly that we forget what it actually means. It's not a genre on a playlist or a Sunday morning song; it is something that goes far beyond that. Instead, it serves as a vehicle, guiding us to a place of surrender, where we lay aside our will for His. It's a posture of our heart, a daily choice to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind— the only thing that we can give to Him that He hasn't first given to us.

Various avenues, like music, art, dancing, and serving, can lead us to worship, but they, in themselves, aren't worship. But in and of themselves, they are not worship. True worship involves surrendering our will, bowing down, and pouring out our hearts to God. King David exemplified this, worshiping not for others' approval but for an audience of one.

As we think about what worship truly means, it is important to remember that it goes beyond a Sunday morning routine; it's a lifestyle, a daily choice to love the Lord wholeheartedly. He desires our love above all, fostering a relationship with us—the Creator seeking connection with His creation. The creator of the universe wants to have a relationship with us, and that is something that we should never take for granted!

Reflecting on the Genesis creation story, God has consistently led us into more, countering the enemy's attempts to paint God as a joy-stealer. But the truth is that God is preparing us for the best. Anything that we are wrestling with will be tested, and anything that we are withholding from the Lord only feeds the enemy.

When we come to Church, we may sing praises and tell of the goodness of God, but true worship demands sacrifice. It involves giving up what's most precious, trusting that God will bless us abundantly. Like Abraham and Isaac, worship is about giving up what is most precious to us and trusting God with it.

Worship extends beyond a mere emotional experience; it's about surrendering pride and fears and fixing our gaze on the Lord. In worship, we exchange disappointments, doubts, and fears for something greater.

Mary's act of pouring perfume on Jesus' feet in John 12 is a powerful symbol of sacrificial worship, costing her dignity but moving Jesus' heart. Our worship may also require a sacrifice, but encountering the Father’s affection and receiving His blessings make it worthwhile. Surrendering to God can be scary, but it's important to remember that God's kingdom is not like earthly kingdoms. Surrender equals freedom in God's kingdom. It's a continuous lifestyle of giving up control and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

Worship is a transformative experience, connecting us to God's love. It's not about what God can do for us; it's about offering everything in love for Him. To truly love God, we need to know Him. We can get to know God through reading the Bible and learning about His attributes, but it's the Holy Spirit that helps us encounter His love. Our biggest prayer should be to know Him more and never stop learning about Him.

As true worshipers, we worship the Father in spirit and in truth. God is looking for those who will worship Him in this way. This is why we are passionate about worship because it transforms us. We believe that encountering the Lord should leave us forever changed.

So, let's worship the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and souls, trusting that our worship will fulfill His purposes in our lives and in the world.