What does it mean to Worship in Spirit and in Truth?

Jesus tells us in John 4: 23-24 that:

“…the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him”.

It’s been on my heart for a while; wondering why some days I feel more drawn to some worship songs than others, and why some days I cannot bring myself to sing what was my most played song the previous week. Recently, I’ve found myself drawn to what I would consider ‘old school’ Baptist church songs. I say this because they are probably one of the very few memories I have, from attending a Baptist Church as a child, with my mum and dad. 

‘Lead Me to the Cross’ has been at top of my list, along with ‘Heart of Worship’ and ‘At the Cross’, for the last week. All of which, I felt a deep urge to start playing on the piano, really pouring myself out into them, in an effort to connect with the spirit. Along with these, I’ve been frequently playing ‘Yeshua’ and spending time being broken, every time I begin to listen or play it. These songs have been resonating with my spirit in a way I can’t quite explain with words. I found in the last week, I’ve also been led by the Spirit to write more music focusing on Jesus’ love for me, bringing all praise and worship to Him, and living my life to bring Him glory. 

I have spent some time talking out and praying on why some days, I’ve felt so intimately drawn to particular songs and been so moved in the spirit by the words of certain worship songs. Eloy and I spoke about it yesterday and he made a really insightful point. He recalled a book he is presently reading, which spoke about the reasons behind why we worship. The author, Miguel De Molinios, wrote that, the reason we worship is to bring praise and thanks to God in remembrance of what He did for us; in remembrance of the cross, His unfailing Grace and His never-ending love. 

The original Greek word used in the Bible for worship in John 4:23-24 is ‘proskynēo’ which means:

-To fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence

-Kneeling or prostration to do homage or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication

-To kiss the hand as a token of reverence, like a dog licking the hand of its master

In the last 48 hours, I’ve come to understand that the reason I’ve felt so drawn to certain songs, in certain seasons, is because of the words found in John 4: 23-34 – we truly are called to worship in Spirit and in truth. 

So what has my truth been these last few weeks? My truth has been that I am struggling to keep a soft heart, that is able to overflow with love and compassion for people when I have felt hurt, let down, and forgotten by those closest to me. I have been wrestling with God over these feelings, the past two weeks, even if my mind didn’t quite grasp the full extent of what I was feeling. The desolate, testing season that I have walking through, my spirit knew and my spirit guided me, towards the true heart of worship in the midst of it – that it is all about Jesus. That in the midst of life’s circumstances, I need to keep my eyes upon Him and all that He has done for me.

When Jesus told us that true worshippers will worship God in spirit and in truth, what I honestly believe He was saying was this: 

‘If you’re feeling hurt or sad or depressed or worried or frustrated, its okay to express. I still want you to bring me your worship, and I want you to do it in the truth and light of what you are going through in life.’

This is why some times, when we try to sing along to a worship song that is being played, we feel nothing, or worse yet, sometimes we feel like we are faking it. This is because we are faking it; we have to bring our true, raw, and honest praise, before the Father. 

“There is a time  for everything….a time to heal, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

What I hope you can learn from the lessons God is teaching me, is that it really is okay to be vulnerable and open with God; He knows it all anyway, right? Go ahead and worship in spirit and in truth before our Father and allow Him to work out whatever it is He is trying to perfect in you, in the season you’re in.