Worship is not about us. It’s not about our comfort, our preferences, or even the challenges we’re going through right now. True worship centers on the Lord Himself. True worship centers on who He is, not on who we are. It is easy to wander back into a self-focused, self-centered place, bringing our own overloaded emotions and our personal struggles into the picture when we come before the Lord. But worship calls us to something higher, greater, more wonderful!
Worship helps us to lift our eyes. Psalm 29:2 tells us, “Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” God deserves our worship simply because of who He is. He is holy, just, loving, merciful, gracious, and sovereign. His glory surrounds us, no matter what season we are in or what battles we face. When we enter into worship, we remind ourselves that God is on the throne, and He has not changed.
Ok, listen, that doesn’t mean God doesn’t care about our needs or burdens. Of course, He does. The Lord invites us to bring our struggles to Him, and we are called to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). However, worship begins when we change our focus from the circumstances of life and fix our eyes on the Lord God Almighty. It’s not that we ignore our struggles; we just choose not to let them define our view of God. Instead, we let our view of God redefine how we see our struggles.
The psalmist describes this so clearly. In Psalm 34:1, David declares, “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” David was not always in easy places when he wrote words like these. Yet, he chose to let praise lead his perspective. Praise is a weapon against discouragement and doubt, and it is a sure choice back to peace and clarity when confusion floods our hearts.
We praise Him for His wonderful works, for His mighty acts of deliverance, and for His faithfulness in our lives. Remembering what God has done fuels our faith in what He will continue to do. We recall the cross, the empty tomb, and the daily mercies He provides, and our hearts are stirred to gratitude and adoration.
When you feel overwhelmed, take time to worship. Not just to sing songs, but to truly set your heart and mind on the Lord, declaring who He is. As you do, you will find your spirit lifted, your faith strengthened, and your burdens lighter because you are reminded that you are not alone. God is with you, and He is worthy of your praise.
Oh, the joy of knowing Him, praising Him, and worshipping Him! It changes us.
