What do you think of when you hear the word? Lots of us probably think about singing hymns and worship songs (that's my first thought!) - but worship is anything that gives God His worth - it's how we live our lives. Much as we will aim to give God worth in all that we do and say, there are times to focus specifically on doing that - to read the Bible and reflect on who it is we're worshipping, to find space and time to contemplate God's love for us, his beauty and majesty.
It's great to do that out in creation, walking, visiting beautiful gardens, the magnificence of a sunset. We worship as we marvel at the work of our creator. We need to find times of quiet to do that too- to 'be still and know that I am God' as Psalm 46:10 says. It's harder to worship when our minds are full of to-do lists!
I love to worship in song - I guess it's the way I'm wired, but it's a special place where I sense God's presence. I missed it so much when we couldn't worship together over lockdown! Personally I've found freedom in worshipping with my hands in the air from time to time as an act of surrender to God. Cliff on the other hand, always has his hands by his side. (He's no less surrendered!)
It's so important to note that it doesn't matter how we're wired to worship - singing with hands in the air or in our pockets, out in creation or reflecting in silence on a Bible verse or in stillness. However we worship, we can expect to sense the presence of God in some way, in a moment's peace or wonder or a sense of God's love. Sometimes we need to be persistent to get to that point. It's so hard in a busy life to find enough space - and so essential too, otherwise we can feel disconnected from God. I find great encouragement in the letter of James 4:8: 'Come close to God, and God will come close to you.' I pray that we all might know God's presence, as we press on in seeking more of Him.
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