Where Do You Worship?

by Jackie Ricks

Where do you worship? Hopefully, you worship at church regularly. After all, the Bible tells us to meet together (Hebrews 10:25). However, that is not the only way that we can worship. We can worship with just a small group at home or somewhere else, possibly in a Bible study group or just in an everyday conversation. You can even worship all alone—except for the presence of God with you. After all, He is the purpose of worship.

Now, I’m not saying that we can stay away from church and just do our own thing. I’m saying that church is not the only place where we can worship. You may have a family worship time together at home. Many families do have a special time where they read the Bible and pray together. Or you may have your own personal quiet time where you shut everything out except God. Of course, those may be more of a Bible study and prayer time. I also find myself getting distracted by time constraints or dogs or other family members during those times.

However, one of the best times I have to worship is in the car, traveling by myself. Usually when I’m in the car, I have gospel music playing. Music can be an important part of worship. It often gets us in the mood. David was aware of this as he wrote the Psalms. Many of them mention singing or instruments. I get all involved with a song so much that I don’t always pay attention to other things. Once as I was on my way to an early morning class, I was joyously singing along to “The King Is Coming” when I suddenly realized I was going above the speed limit and there was a highway patrolman right there! When he asked me why I was in such a hurry, I simply explained that I was caught up in the song (which was still playing in the car). I only got a warning ticket. Obviously, I wasn’t going that fast, but I was worshipping.

When I’m in the car, I also find it’s a great time to talk to God. Of course, I don’t close my eyes to pray if I’m driving! The music may have led me to worship by thanking God and telling Him how grateful I am for all that He does for me. Then somewhere along that path, I think of some situation that I need to pray about. Then I pour my heart out to Him, often talking aloud even with no other visible body in the car. I’m sure other drivers wonder about the crazy lady driver who’s talking to no one and often crying at the same time.

It’s possible to even “read” the Bible as you drive. If you have an app on your phone that can read the Bible, you can easily set it to go to Bluetooth and come through the car sound system. I don’t know if I would suggest doing that if you’re in heavy traffic, but out on the open road I think it sounds fine. Listening to the Bible can lead to worship just as music can. Just remember not to get so wrapped up in the Bible that you ignore safe driving habits.

Have you ever listened to Bible preachers/teachers on the radio? Certain radio stations broadcast 24-hour Bible topics. I’ve learned which ones are helpful and which are not. Some of the sermons or devotionals are by people who are now with the Lord, but they are still relevant. My biggest problem with listening like that is not being able to take notes and write things down to remember. But hearing the message from someone who has studied more than I have can also lead to worship.

The most important thing to remember about worship is that it’s all about GOD, not us. We are giving Him praise and honor for who He is and all He has done for us. After all, everything should be done for God’s honor and glory and nothing else. Don’t worry about where you are or whether it’s Sunday. Worship God any chance you get. He is worthy to be praised at any time or place!

SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 29:20; Psalm 5:3 & 7; 57:7-8; 95:6; 100; 150; Matthew 4:10; Luke 19:28-38; John 4:24

PRAYER: Lord, I just thank You and praise You for who You are and all that You’ve done for me. I can’t even think of everything because You even give me the ability to praise You. I love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

RESPONSE: If you aren’t in the mood to worship, try listening to gospel music or reading the Bible. Then pour out your love and praise to God. If you’re where you can, do it aloud. Try singing Him a song of praise!