For God is a Spirit, and he longs to have sincere worshippers who worship and adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth. John 4:24 (TPT)
Truth About God – The Well Series – Part 6
Go to PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6 | PART 7 | PART 8
Jesus wasn't saying that we need to know the whole truth about God to worship him. That doesn’t make sense. In a life lived by faith, which is at the very core of Christianity, how can we KNOW the complete TRUTH about God?
How does one attain ultimate truth? Who knows it? Just in my circle friends, what we each consider to be the “truth” about God looks different to each of us. Let alone when you look at all the different denominations, and traditions, and communities around. I mean, how can you own truth? And how can you be sure that the truth you believe is THE truth?
Jesus was talking about another kind of truth, one that’s more close to home.
The Greek word for truth used here is “Aletheia,” and subjectively it means, “Truth as a personal experience.” Objectively, Alethia is the truth and/or reality that is taught. In other words, it’s something that we learn. In Jesus day, a Rabbi would teach his disciple by taking him on the road so he could learn in the living. It’s the experience, the journey; wisdom gleaned, the life we’ve lived. Our truth.
In other words, truth is not something that you can attain – it’s not a commodity, a single command or idea; it's not a thing or statement or code. You will never arrive at THE truth.
Truth is lived into.
As vast and as deep and as wide and as high as God is, so is truth. When you mix his truth into your life, it’s an exploration that extends beyond the limitations of your humanity. It’s an eternal journey.
Worship is ultimately an exchange of love. It’s a dance, a collaborative piece of art. Listening to, knowing and experiencing God; like water engulfs a sunken ship.
Our relationship with the Divine is one that can bear the full brunt of life; it can carry the width and breadth of it. It can go the distance and heights; it stays close and still. God is there in the dark and hopeless, in the sunshine and fun. He is near to the broken-hearted and dances with the joyful. He gives strength to the weak and wisdom to all. To worship God is to engage in this relationship, to accept and receive and engage.
Worship him out of the depths of your own experience and life.
Worship him with the heart of a student, ready to learn, teachable and vulnerable.
Worship him with a vulnerability that acknowledges your own frailty and embraces his grace.
Worship God in spirit and truth – experience him for yourself. Bring all the pieces of your life before him. Honest and open: “Here it is God, all of it.”
Worship connects us to wonder; it opens our eyes to the Divine and gives voice to the deep yearning of our souls. It’s not singing. Not one bit. Although, music is often a conduit to presence because of its spiritual nature. But it is not worship. There is no right way, words, form, or place to worship; there is just time for it. Engage. Don’t let the pursuit of theology, security, of being right, of having all your I’s dotted and T’s crossed (whatever you perceive ‘truth’ to be) steal away your opportunity to be filled with awe and wonder.
Brennan Manning once said in an interview that “Worship is primarily listening.” Open hands, open heart.
Psalm 46:10 famously says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Be Still = listen.
And know = experience it for yourself.
Go to Part 7 – Music and Worship »
Written by Lizzy Milani
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