Awakened to Worship

Ps. Brenden Brown | August 31, 2025

We are in the middle of our Awake-in-Him series, and this week we are invited to awaken to something powerful: the reality of worship.

Luke 9:32 tells us that when the disciples became “fully awake,” they saw Jesus in His glory. That is what happens in worship. When we awaken to God’s presence, we see Him more clearly, and everything else fades into the background.

Most of us think of worship as singing songs in church, and that is beautiful and biblical. But the first time the word worship appears in Scripture, there is no music, no instruments, and no choir. In Genesis 22, Abraham calls his journey to offer Isaac on the altar worship. Worship was defined not by melody, but by obedience, surrender, adoration, and trust.

The Hebrew word for worship, shachah, literally means to bow down in adoration. It paints a picture of passion, intimacy, and encountering God’s presence. Seen through this lens, worship is far more than a Sunday setlist. It is a lifestyle.

• Worship is sacrifice: laying down what is precious because God is worthy.

• Worship is obedience: saying “yes” even when it costs us.

• Worship is adoration: turning our hearts, words, and lives toward Him.

Romans 12:1 reminds us, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship.”

Yes, we sing, clap, dance, and shout, but underneath it all is a posture of the heart that says:

“Hineni — Here I am, Lord. I am fully present. I am available. I am awake to Your presence.”

This week, let us make space to intentionally worship Him in song, in surrender, in obedience, and in gratitude. Not just with our lips, but with our lives.