The first mention of worship in the Bible is in Genesis 22:5, where Abraham, preparing to offer his son Isaac, and it says:

Genesis 22:5
New King James Version
5 And Abraham said to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.’

From what happens on the mount, we see that worship, at its core, is a sacrificial act of devotion to God, not just an outward expression like singing.

Worship involves responding to the knowledge of God in a way that reflects surrender, gratitude, and devotion. It acknowledges God’s greatness, love, and worthiness of praise, transcending mere singing and touching every aspect of life. True worship starts with a heart fully surrendered to God, leading to obedience to His will.

I Samuel 16:7
New King James Version
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God looks at the heart. The question is when God looks at your heart, does He see a heart invested in worship? Does he see a heart full of passion for him?

John 4:23-24
New King James Version
23 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Those that worship must do so in spirit and in truth. There is a way that we must worship. Worship cannot be done shabbily. There is a standard in worship. It must come from an understanding of the truth of the Word of God.

Apostle Paul writes to the church in Rome and urges believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices.

Romans 12:1
New King James Version
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

This act of surrender and self-sacrifice is the kind of worship that pleases God. Worship isn’t simply about external acts like singing; it’s about offering ourselves fully to God in every aspect of life. There’s no true worship without understanding and obedience. Passion for God must be accompanied by obedience.

Worship is not confined to singing during church services. While singing can be a valid form of worship, it is only one way to express a life of devotion. Worship can be expressed through serving others, giving, or making sacrifices that honour God. A life of worship means every action is done with the intent to glorify Him.

A key element of worship is gratitude. Recognizing that every good thing comes from God deepens our worship.

James 1:17
New King James Version
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Acknowledging God’s goodness and provision causes our hearts to overflow with thankfulness, which fuels our worship. Make sure that your thankfulness is not circumstantial. A true understanding of the gift of eternal life is always enough to stir you up in worship. Learn to be genuinely in awe of the goodness and the faithfulness of God.

In conclusion, true worship is about the heart, not just external actions. It is about living a life that reflects surrender, obedience, and gratitude to God. Therefore, let every aspect of life whether service, sacrifice, or song be an offering of worship to the God who created and sustains all things. Respond to His love with reverence and gratitude, making your life a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him.

Prayer Point
Father, I thank you for your Word. I declare that I am always sold out in worship to you. My worship is always heartfelt.