Worship

...all the furnishings to be used in worship at the Tabernacle... [Exodus 39.40 excerpt]

Of several popular translations of the Bible, I found only the NLT used the word "worship" in the excerpt above.  Most of the other translations used the phrase "in the service of..." instead.

Nevertheless, I considered the word worship.  What does it mean?

For many, the word "worship" is considered to mean singing songs to God.  But doesn't it mean more than that?

I thought today of how people often say of a person who with undying devotion for another (a spouse, child, parent, etc.), "he just worships her..." or something to that affect.  This phrase is usually attributed to one who has made another their life focus in every circumstance and with every affection they can muster.

I found myself sensing my own hypocrisy when I understood the meaning of the use of worship in devotion for another person, but understood it as only 'singing' (however passionate) when it comes to God - and that, only on prescribed times of the week (not even daily).  How silly is that?

If we are to truly worship God, it will be with undying devotion.  It will be in every waking moment.  It will be with enthusiasm and commitment.  It will be selfless.  It will be at the same time blind and focused.  It will be jealous for God and God's wishes.  It will be with singing.  It will be with silence.  It will be with conscious undeterred passion.  It will consume every thought.  It will inspire every action.  It will be an insect uncontrollably flying into the fire.  It will be pure and it will be holy.  It will be ...worship.

Father, forgive me for my hypocrisy in thinking that worship was something that I could control.  I see today that worship is the resultant evidence of pure devotion to You and, as such, is a lifestyle and not an event.