Worshipping God With All We Are

WORSHIPPING WITHIN OUR ABILITY

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. (Psalm 103:1)

I’m lying in bed mid-morning, desperate for pain relief. My eyes brim with tears, and my hands are raised high, agreeing in faith with the worship music playing in my room. I have found myself in a similar place many times during the past six years, grateful the Lord receives my praise, however I can express it.

The way we worship God may vary from day to day when we live with chronic pain, chronic illness, and mental illness. Yet, the Bible calls us to continually turn our attention to Him, in whatever capacity we are able. Scripture provides examples of individuals praising the Lord even in the midst of severe hardship, with some references mentioning physical posture or emotional response:

• When Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the Lord, he arose… from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. (I Kings 8:54)
• I will bless you… I will lift up my hands in Your name. (Psalm 63:4)
• Sing aloud to God our strength. Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. (Psalm 81:1)
• Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. (Psalm 95:6)

We are free to adapt as needed, to enable at least some aspect of bodily engagement. For example:

• humbly bowing our heads in prayer rather than kneeling. 
• sitting with hands held open to signify gratitude and surrender.

Worshipping with body, mind, and soul changes us. Our focus shifts from our struggles to the Lord’s promises and power. For me, this practice is vital in sustaining faith and hope as I walk the road of chronic neck and jaw pain. 

WORSHIPPING THROUGH THE ORDINARY

Paying attention to everyday blessings offers a powerful path toward worship. When was the last time we praised God for the wonder of a sunrise or sunset? How often do we recognize His goodness in a steaming mug of tea or coffee in the morning? Do we consciously give thanks for a roof over our head, food in our cupboard, or clothing in our closet?

Beyond physical provision, gifts of family and friendship call us to worship the Lord for orchestrating meaningful connection with others. He sovereignly crosses our paths, enabling us to experience deep satisfaction in our ability to give and receive love. Most of all, remembering how He drew us to Himself and how He reveals Himself through His Word is cause for unending thanks!

Gratitude Jumpstart! (a Chronic Joy printable resource) offers 12 creative exercises to cultivate a heart of worship. The author observes: Gratitude exercises can help us shift perspective, looking deeper than our pain and wider than our circumstances.

Colossians 3:17, which I learned as a young girl, serves as vital motivation in how I live my everyday life: Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Viewing ordinary tasks as avenues to honor the Lord transforms my attitude in remarkable ways. Simple house cleaning helps me recall sweet memories, one room at a time. Grocery shopping prompts me to acknowledge God’s provision for all I need. Seeing His hand of care in such normal aspects of life infuses joy and peace, moment by moment.

WORSHIPPING IN AWE AND WONDER

Developing an active sense of wonder produces a wellspring for worship. The challenges of chronic pain, chronic illness, and mental illness can diminish our awareness of miracles all around us. Another Chronic Joy printable (Prayers to Experience Greater Awe and Wonder) features tangible help for regaining our ability to live awe-struck by the Lord’s glory. Every day God gives us breath is a fresh opportunity to discover wonder, drawing us into worship and awe.

When we worship God with all we are, concentrating our physical, emotional, and spiritual energy on His goodness, we limit the potential for discouragement to take hold. As a wise friend told me years ago: We can only think one thought at a time. Let’s make it a Godly one.

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for creating us with body, mind, and spirit. Your holistic design invites us to worship You with all we are as we grow in our experience of Your love and grace day by day. Please teach us to exercise this aspect of faith, for Your glory and our good. We love and trust You. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

Questions For Reflection

• What physical expression of worship is most comfortable for you?
• Where in Scripture can you find varying examples of worship?
• How might you take a next step in worshipping God with all that you are?