WORDS OF WORSHIP
Nichol DeGroot
Today’s Scripture: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!” Psalm 95:6, ESV
Theme: Worship costs us control.
WORDS OF WORSHIP
In studying worship for this new series I came across three words that were translated to mean “worship” from Hebrew and Greek.
Shachah – “to bow down.” This Hebrew word means to lower yourself. When I decrease, He increases. Worship costs us control.
Proskuneō – “to kneel, to show reverence.” This is a Greek word, and it shows us intentionality, surrender, and respect. It’s saying, “God You are greater and You are worthy. My circumstances don’t change Your authority, regardless of what’s happening in my life, regardless of what is happening in the room or what song is playing. Lord, You are worthy.”
Latreuō – “to serve.” This is a Greek word which shows us serving (as worship) is also to be a part of our lifestyle. It’s how we should live our everyday lives. It’s the way we serve our family or strangers. Worship costs us something; serving God when it’s inconvenient, obeying the Holy Spirit when it may seem uncomfortable, and trusting Jesus when life feels out of control. Serving others is worship.
WHAT WORSHIP IS NOT
• It’s not about my mood.
• It’s not about my situation.
• It’s not about the atmosphere in the room.
• It’s not about what the worship team is singing.
• Worship is about glorifying God.
Period.
WHEN IS GOD WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE?
• He is worthy when life is good.
• He is worthy when life is bad.
• He is worthy when I feel His presence.
• He is worthy when I don’t.
• He is worthy in my busyness.
• He is worthy in my stillness.
Make It Personal: I am learning that worship should stretch us. Comfort says, “Worship when it feels good or when the atmosphere feels right.” True worship says, “He is worthy, no matter what it costs.” I encourage you to do uncomfortable things. Raise your hands, lay out on the floor, serve when no one is looking; and on Sunday mornings, don’t just sing. Stretch yourself and don’t hold back, because He is worthy of it ALL.
Pray: Heavenly Father. Creator of the beautiful world You have blessed us with. Thank You God, for all You have done, are doing, and will do. God, You are worthy of all praise honor and glory, Father God. Help me to be reminded of Your goodness all the days of my life. God, stretch me. Grow me. When I’m uncomfortable, remind me of Who You are and what You’ve done for me. God, if I have breath, in my lungs I will praise Your mighty Name, Lord Jesus. I will praise You in all circumstances. In the mighty, powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.
Read: Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 132:7, 99:9, Matthew 4:10
Memory Verse of the Week: “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:15, NLT