The Promised LandНамуна

What is the one thing you seek? In other words, what consumes your mind and drives your decisions? Is it fame, money, a spouse, your children, success at work, a larger home, good health, retirement, influence, an addiction, or power?

Most of these things aren’t inherently harmful, but they can become modern-day idols if we’re not careful. An idol is any thing or person we worship instead of God. If you are chasing after empty idols and have wondered if it’s possible to be truly fulfilled, there is good news: starting as soon as today, you can devote yourself to God instead.

You can say along with the Psalmist: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4, NIV).

Maybe this verse paints a picture of heaven in your mind, but dwelling with God for all the days of your life can actually begin now! The natural response to this dwelling and gazing is to worship, or pour out our adoration and praise to God.

Did you know that God didn’t create us with an “off” switch to our worship? We don’t just worship during local church gatherings but during each second between those gatherings, too. We are always either worshipping God or idols.

Both the corporate and continual nature of worship can be intimidating. What if I do it incorrectly? What exactly does it look like to worship nonstop?

When the Hebrews escaped Egypt, they were given many details regarding how to worship through sacrificial offerings in the Tabernacle. Checking every box did not ensure God was pleased, though, because what God desired most was their hearts! The same is true for us today. Surrendering your heart to God means surrendering your whole life and seeking after God only. Actions like bowing down, lifting our hands, praying, journaling, giving, singing, loving others, and reading Scripture are all outward expressions of this surrender.

The motivation behind our worship matters more than getting every detail correct. Worship is not about perfection or what we can get out of it. True worship is a response to who God is and what God has already done. God is worthy of our worship today and every day!