By Jerry Borton

What do you think of when you hear the word worship? For most of us, it is the time we spend singing in church. Or if we are really “spiritual,” we think of worship as the entire service. 

Worship is the process of ascribing value to something. Most of us, if we were to really admit it, spend a lot of time worshipping things like power, position, wealth, or possibly even our families and other people. 

But only Jesus is worthy of our worship. Revelation 5:6 says that the Lamb (Jesus) had seven horns and seven eyes. The seven horns suggest Jesus’ power and authority and strength (Psalm 89:17). Only Jesus is worthy of our worship. The seven eyes suggest Jesus’ presence and protection in our lives. The Bible says the eyes of the Lord go to and fro throughout the earth, looking for those he can encourage (2 Chronicles 16:9). 

One of my favorite hymns is Be Still, My Soul. The first verse begins, “Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithful will remain.” The contemporary Christian music group Tenth Avenue North continues this theme in their song “Worn.” They sing, “Let me know the struggle ends; That you can mend a heart that’s frail and torn.”

We need to know that the circumstances in our lives are not the whole story of our lives. We are part of a larger story—God’s story. He always writes the final chapter. The book of Revelation assures us of final victory if we put our faith in him. It may not feel like it today or even tomorrow. But in the end, WE WIN. Period. 

What things or people are you tempted to direct your worship toward other than Jesus? In what area of your life do you most need Jesus’ encouragement and strength?

Jerry Borton lives in Souderton, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Joan. He serves as area director for Joni and Friends Greater Philadelphia.