The word “worship” comes from the same root as the word “worthy.” To worship someone thus means to consider him or her worthy of our attention and our praise. In that sense, millions of people will gather at stadiums and around TV sets to worship college football conference champions today, praising their skill and prowess. So, why should billions of Christians all over the world gather to worship God tomorrow?

Most obviously, because of His tremendous power and majesty. Verse 28 reminds us of God’s tremendous glory and strength, great enough to establish the earth so firmly that it could not be moved (v. 30). Moreover, verse 29 reminds us of God’s holiness – He is high above the world that He has made, completely separate from anything impure or sinful. In the face of such an awesome God, it is only natural that we should join all the earth in trembling in overwhelmed amazement before Him.

But the good news, as verse 34 tells us, is that this mighty God is also good and loving and faithful. In spite of our sin and rebellion, He has chosen to use His power and purity to save His people from all those who continue in opposition to Him (v. 35).

So, true worship of God should always combine awe and wonder with love and thanksgiving. While we should tremble before His power, we should also join all creation, rejoicing and being glad in His goodness. For He has graciously chosen to save all those who would abandon their rebellion and embrace Christ as Lord, all those who would admit their sin and embrace Christ as Savior. So, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting.” I hope we can all say “Amen” to that!

I Chronicles 16:28-36 (ESV)

28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
30 tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!
33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
34 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
35 Say also: “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.
36 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD.