The time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.
John 4:23-24 (NLT)
I woke up one morning recently with the words of a song on my mind: “Set my spirit free that I might worship Thee. Set my spirit free that I might praise Thy name.” Then this Scripture in John 4:23-24 came to mind. Jesus made it clear that true worship must come from our heart.
What is true worship in spirit and in truth? Here are some thoughts that came to mind this week as I’ve read and prayed about it. Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders who knew a lot about God, but they didn’t know God! Worship is an inward attitude of the heart, my spirit responding to who He is and all that He has done. The truth of who He is and what He has done is found in His Word. Attending a service at church on Sunday morning does not necessarily mean that I have worshiped God. Is my heart truly engaged in the words of praise I am singing and the words of the sermon? Going through the motions out of habit or routine is not worship.
God sees our hearts! Matthew 15:8 and Isaiah 29:18 tell us that “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” In my daily Bible reading, am I asking God to speak His words to my heart? Am I willing to follow in loving obedience to what He says?
Here are some Scriptures that describe a true heart of worship:
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) makes it clear that we are to “present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your true and proper worship.”
Colossians 3:17 tells us “Whatever we do in word or deed, do it as unto the Lord.”
Luke 10:27 God commands us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Louie Giglio wrote the book “The Air I Breathe; Worship as a Way of Life.” It is one of the best and simplest books I’ve read about worship. I read it again this week. He makes a suggestion that I plan to follow. He calls it a 30-day Worship Journey. He suggests starting with a prayer, “God, I am here for You; please show me who You are.” As you read through the Psalms, look for one attribute of God that grabs your attention and captures your heart. Write that word at the top of a journal page and take time to meditate on that aspect of God’s character. For example, faithfulness. Think about what it means to your life that God is faithful. Make it personal. Keep that word with you throughout the day and thank Him for what He has shown you. Remember that we are not just gathering information about God, but truly getting to know Him personally. He suggests singing a song praising God. We can ask God to transform our hearts to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Has God spoken to your heart as you’ve read these words? How will you respond?
I love this song that expresses a true heart of worship. You can find it on YouTube and sing along!
“The Heart Of Worship”
Matt Redman
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
And it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus
(Repeat the chorus)