“You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3
We often think of “worship” as something we do at church. However, “worship” is much broader than that. It is passionate adoration and devotion directed toward ANYONE or ANYTHING that dominates our thoughts, words and actions. For example, when we worship a person, they consume our thoughts, determine our priorities, and become the center of our daily energy. The same is true when worshipping a hobby or inanimate object.
I know, because I’ve done it.
When sports were my “god,” I worshipped by structuring my entire life around practices and games. I worked hard just to afford the time to play—even when it meant sacrificing more important things such as family. The thrill of a great tournament was my greatest joy.
When money was my “god,” I sacrificed time with God, family, and friends just to chase another dollar. My health and peace of mind paid the price.
When a man was my “god,” he controlled my emotions. I worshipped by shaping my days around him, thinking about him constantly, dreaming about him, and tailoring my appearance to keep his attention. He became my reason for getting out of bed in the morning.
I have been a slave to what I worship—and it left me empty. Because here’s the truth:
Worship of anything or anyone—less than God—is an intensely destructive force.
The worship of God is the only powerful force that actually heals, restores, and transforms. Worshiping God puts our heart, mind, and spirit back into alignment.
We were created to worship. It’s not optional—it’s an essential part of our design. The only real question is whom or what we will decide to worship. Jesus said:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37–38
Our worship is measured by the degree of loving obedience we show toward God.
We know we are worshipping God as our center when we are experiencing satisfaction because we were created to be sustained AND satisfied by His presence.
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalms 107:9
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11
“Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalms 103:5
“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35
When our entire life centers around Him, our life experiences are completely transformed:
- Our anxiety loses its grip because God is never anxious.
- Our Divine purpose to glorify Him becomes clearer, and we don’t need to know the future.
- Our relationships are healthier because we can rest in doing all that we do to glorify God and allow Him to sort out the rest.
- Our joy is no longer tied to circumstances because God is our joy, and He never changes.
- We have security and hope amidst any storm because our adoration of God keeps us reminiscent of His promises.
My friend, worship of Almighty God draws you into the presence of the only One who can fully satisfy you. God doesn’t DESERVE our tepid worship. He is our loving Father who sacrificed the life of His dear Son to draw us close.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit…” 1 Peter 3:18
If you haven’t yet given your life to Christ, the first step is to receive the gift of salvation—to turn from your sin and believe that Jesus died and rose again to give you eternal life. You don’t have to settle for the bottom level of knowing God!!!
If you already belong to Him, but find yourself distracted by other things, ask Him to help you desire Him more than anything else. Nearly every day, I pray: “God, help me desire You more than anything or anyone else.” He ALWAYS answers this prayer, because He longs to walk with us in a deep, daily relationship, He wants to be the One who fills our heart with His presence.
If your life feels upside down—if anxiety, fear, or restlessness are clouding your days—don’t ignore the signal. It’s time to re-center your worship. Just like we instinctively fear a poisonous snake, anxiety is a gift that compels us to run to the safety of His arms. To make anyone or anything except God our center—is like taking a viper to bed with us. Misplaced worship will destroy us. Nothing in this world—nothing—can replace the presence of God as our center and satisfy us.
Join me with Creation and worship God as the center of your life today! I promise—you will never regret it!
“You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.” Nehemiah 9:6
Reflection Thought:
What (or who) is controlling your time, thoughts, and energy right now? Is it worthy of your worship—or are you settling for a cheap substitute?
Daily Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess that I have often worshiped things that cannot satisfy. You alone are worthy of my full devotion. Help me to desire You more than anything or anyone else. Draw my heart into Your presence, and let my worship be pure, powerful, and pleasing to You. Replace my fear with faith, and my restlessness with Your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
2 Responses
Amen!
And Praise God!