We acknowledge that God certainly is deserving of praise but sometimes we struggle to make worship a priority or reality in our lives.  We have access to much teaching and writing on worship, plenty of worship resources, to help us.  Yet, we still at times fail to worship “in spirit and in truth” as Jesus said of true worshipers in John 4:24.

Why don’t we always worship as we should? 

The Truth About Worship Discussion Guide looks at some possible hindrances which I will list here:
 

1. Self - my own needs, conveniences, time, advantage, blessing, etc. come above God
2. Concept of God – either physical or mental misrepresentation of God
3. False Gods – anything that would pull you away from worshiping the one true God
4. Our Culture – the influence of the world around us
5. Service – being so busy ministering that we neglect God
6. Irreconciled Relationships – relationships where there is mistreatment or lack of forgiveness
7. Traditions – self-styled worship rather than God’s method
8. Worship “Props” – those forms, styles, facilities, or people which aid us in worship

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want these hindrances to block me from truly worshiping.  God is so worthy of my complete and undistracted devotion and love expressed through worship!

Do you want life to be meaningful (having a standard of truth to live by but still a sense of freedom)?  Do you want life with a mooring (being tied to something secure but still able to move)?  Do you need some motivation (living life under compulsion but still with purpose)?  Do you want a model to live by (being able to see the potential but still living each moment to the fullest)?

If so, then you need a walk with God characterized by the following:

          Wisdom
          Awareness
          Love
          Kenosis

WISDOM:  We can know all about God and His Word, but if we don’t see the practical implications of this knowledge to our everyday living, we are going to struggle.  — Wisdom is what will make your walk with God practical and relevant to every day life  . . . a walk that gives meaning to life.

Ps. 86:11 – Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Ps. 119:45 – I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. 

AWARENESS:  We need to be aware of who God is and constantly acknowledge His presence in our lives.  We need an awareness of how God works on our behalf and that He will not leave us or forsake us as we walk with Him. — Awareness of His presence is what will give you hope, comfort, peace, and confidence even in the most difficult circumstances  . . . a walk that gives you a mooring in life.

Ps. 89:15 – Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.

Ps. 23:4 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

LOVE:  Jesus emphasized how love is the greatest commandment.  1 Corinthians 13 reminds us how we can do great things, but without love, it means nothing.  1 John 4:19 adds that we too can live a life of love and compassion for others because He first loved us.  — Love is the compelling factor in the Christian life, making us willing to go the extra mile, even when it is not convenient or comfortable  . . . a walk that is motivating.

Eph. 5:2 – And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (KJV)

KENOSIS:  This word is used in theological circles to describe how Jesus temporarily laid aside His glory in heaven and humbled Himself to come to earth for us as a servant.  Philippians 2:5-11 suggests that this process was as much an attitude as it was an action.  — Kenosis is our example of servanthood, what it means to walk in the footsteps of Jesus  . . . a walk that is modeled.

Phil. 2:5-7  -  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

1 Jn. 2:6 – Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Click links below for more on your walk with God:

What makes the Christian walk such a struggle for some?

Walking in Wisdom Makes Sense 

Your Walk with God: An Integral Part of Your Ministry Profile

Devotional Guides on Walking the Walk

Other Resources to Help in Your Walk with God