The True Worship of God – Part I Psalms 100 is a wonderful chapter to contemplate upon. “1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endured to all generations.” The Greek word for “worship,” proskuneō, means “to encounter God and praise Him.” For centuries, the Jewish people had worshipped God in His holy temple. But when Jesus arrived on the scene, He spoke metaphorically of Himself as the temple. Worship can be expressed as a way of life that describes a specific way. Praising, adoring, and expressing reverence for God publicly and privately are specific acts of worship. In a broader sense, worship refers to an overall lifestyle of serving and glorifying God and reflecting His glory to others. The Old Testament prophet Jonah said, in Jonah 1:9 And he said unto them, I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.” Here, Jonah is referring to a lifestyle wholly dedicated to glorifying God. This is also confirmed by Paul in Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Worship means to bow down, to prostrate oneself. Worship is sacred. Many people do not recognise the sanctity of divine worship and adoration. To them, holy things are common and trite. Worship may be regarded as the direct acknowledgement of God of His holiness, Kingship, Creator, His nature, attributes, ways and claims. Many people do not recognise the sanctity of certain things. To them, holy things are common. Such a casual attitude toward God causes us to lose sight of the aura of awe and majesty that surrounds Him. Hebrews 12:28 “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” It is an exercise of the mind and heart. Worship transports us from this earthly realm to the heavenly. It conveys us into the company of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Believers participate in specific acts of worship whenever they celebrate God’s worthiness and greatness by giving honour and glory to His name. Worship can be expressed in words, shouts, singing, bowing down, raising hands, and many other ways. The psalmist urges the faithful to enter into acts of worship: Psalms 95:1-2 “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” Mere raising of hands and singing is incomplete without complete devotion of the heart mind and soul. Dr Ashwin Drummond Laddertoheaven.co.in