+DEV+ Worship: Expressing the Worthiness of God

Date: October 13, 2011 12:17 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Worship: Expressing the Worthiness of God

Worship: Expressing the Worthiness of God

"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name." (PSALM 96:8)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 96

What does it mean to worship? In many Christian circles today, the word "worship" has simply become synonymous with "singing." I would like to suggest a fuller definition to be used throughout these devotionals. Our English word, interestingly, does not have roots in the Bible. Rather, it comes from an Anglo Saxon root meaning literally "worth-ship." In other words, at its heart, to worship means to ascribe greatness or worthiness to someone or something.

This definition highlights the essential God-centeredness of Christian worship. God is most worthy to be praised. God is the greatest treasure that exists. He is most holy, most gracious, most wise, most compassionate, most jealous, and most glorious. Therefore worship begins and ends with God Himself - ascribing to Him the glory that is due His name.

Who is God? What is He like? Who am I compared to God? What has God done? What has He still promised to do? Answering such questions is at the heart of what it means to worship and "ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name."

Insight: In What Ways Do We Make Worship More About Us Than About God? Consider Who God Is And What He's Done. Praise Him For It!