As someone who has spent the majority of his life in church, I have been so blessed to have experienced so many amazing things about church life. Whether it is the teaching from God’s Word, the meaningful relationships, the God encounters, or the many prayer moments at the altar. But one thing has always stood out to me as being the most impactful. That is worship! Some of the most profound moments in my walk with God have happened in the middle of a worship service, singing a particular song, or being swept up in God’s presence. I have always been drawn to music and to worship songs. 

I have also experienced the negative side of church life when I saw “worship wars” erupt between those who loved hymns and those who were drawn to modern choruses. I have seen friendships lost, church splits happen, and sadly, people who walked away from God. All of that because they thought that worship was only about a song, a musical style, or a particular genre. As I have grown up in church and have heard so many amazing messages on what worship is, I have come to the overwhelming conclusion: worship is more than a song! Worship is a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving to a God. Worship is a heart pursuit and longing for God. Worship is an encounter with God’s presence.  

One statement that we often make at our church is this: one moment in God’s presence can transform a life. We believe that with our whole heart. We believe that where God’s presence is, His power is present to transform, to heal, to save, to deliver, and set people free. We don’t have to worship. We get to worship! We get to discover the richness of who God is as we honour Him. We get to lay down the stresses of our week to lift up the only One who can help us with that stress. It is with that heart attitude that we can boldly declare: 

Psalm 34:1 [ESV] – “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” 

Worship is a choice! I choose to worship God. I choose to worship God whether I feel like it or not. I choose to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. I choose to worship the One who gave His life for me and who redeemed me from a life of struggle, sin, and depression. Worship is so much more than a song. Worship is our “all in” declaration to God. We were created to worship God. I pray that you would encounter the presence of God in a powerful way as you move into the deep waters of worship in this season. There is no better place to be than in God’s presence. Never forget, worship is your weapon!