The Restorative Nature of Worship

Sometimes, worshiping God feels effortless—our hearts overflow with love and gratitude. But other times, it feels like the hardest thing in the world. Sometimes, it feels like He isn’t there. Sometimes, we feel unworthy to stand before the Most High. We may even feel so weighed down by the filth of this world that we think we need to cleanse ourselves before we can approach Jesus. These feelings can be painful, making us want to give up before we even begin.

If you’ve ever felt this way, you are not alone. And more importantly, God understands.

Did you know that, in the Bible, Joshua the high priest came before the Lord to worship, and Satan stood at God’s right side, hurling accusations against him? Satan is always there, trying to remind us of our unworthiness. But look at what happens in Zechariah 3:

1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan[a] standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”

3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.”

Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”

5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by.

6 The angel of the Lord gave this charge to Joshua: 7 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.”

While Satan was busy pointing fingers, God rebuked him and ignored his accusations. Our God takes us as we are and cleanses us when we seek Him.

The Power of Worship

Worship is more than just a moment of singing or praying—it is healing. God uses worship for our good just as much as He delights in it. When we truly worship, our problems, distractions, and burdens seem to dissolve into thin air. In that sacred space, nothing else matters but Him.

There is something beautiful about pushing through the negative feelings that try to keep us from worshiping Jesus. When we fight through those doubts, insecurities, and distractions, we come out transformed on the other side. True and lasting change happens within us and around us. Worship can shift an entire day from despair to joy. It can make you wonder, Why have I gone without this for so long?

Worshiping our God is not only healing for us—it moves His heart. He is touched when we set aside time for Him. And in His goodness, He always restores what we give. He refreshes our spirits and renews our strength in the process.

So, the next time you are having a rough day, stuck in a storm, or struggling to find your way through, I encourage you: drop everything for Him. And even when your day is going perfectly, when your heart is full and everything is falling into place, take a moment to stop and give Him praise.

He is always, always worthy!