On one occasion, when Jesus was speaking with the Samaritan woman about the correct place of worship, He shifted the entire conversation from locations and rituals to the heart of true devotion. The woman was concerned about whether worship should take place on Mount Gerizim or in Jerusalem, reflecting a long-standing religious debate. However, Jesus redirected her focus to something far deeper and more essential, saying:
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:23–24
These words of Jesus mark one of the most important teachings on worship found in all of Scripture. With them, He makes it clear that worship is not primarily about a physical place, a religious structure, or a ceremonial act. Instead, worship is about the inner posture of the heart and the sincerity of the soul before God. A true worshiper is defined not by where he stands, but by how and why he worships.
Jesus states that true worshipers “must worship.” This is not presented as an option, a suggestion, or a spiritual hobby. It is a necessity. Worship is not something added to the Christian life; it is the very essence of it. A true worshiper has an internal need to worship and give praise to God, a growing desire that flows naturally from being created by Him and redeemed for His glory.
To worship in spirit means that worship must come from the inner being, not merely from external actions. It is possible to sing songs, lift hands, and participate in religious activities while the heart remains distant from God. True worship, however, springs from a heart that is alive, surrendered, and responsive to the Spirit of God.
To worship in truth means that worship must be grounded in who God truly is, as He has revealed Himself in His Word. Worship that is disconnected from truth becomes emotionalism or tradition without substance. True worship is informed by Scripture, shaped by sound doctrine, and centered on the character and will of God.
In other articles, we have reflected on the importance of praise and worship, emphasizing that we were born to worship God. Worship is our highest calling and greatest purpose. When that desire weakens or fades, it is not because worship has lost its value, but because our hearts have drifted. In such moments, the solution is not to force outward expressions, but to go before God humbly and ask Him to restore our love, passion, and reverence for Him.
Scripture provides us with powerful examples of what it means to be a true worshiper, and one of the most vivid is found in Psalm 42. This psalm gives us a glimpse into the soul of someone who deeply understands what it means to long for God:
1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Psalm 42:1–9
This powerful psalm, likely written by the sons of Korah, expresses a deep spiritual longing. At the time, they were in exile, far from Jerusalem and far from the temple, which was the central place of worship for the people of Israel. Their anguish did not come from hunger, thirst, or lack of shelter, but from being separated from the place where they could gather with God’s people to worship Him.
Their words reveal the heart of true worshipers. They describe their longing for God using the image of a deer panting for water. This is not a casual desire, but an intense, desperate thirst. Just as a deer cannot survive long without water, the psalmist’s soul feels unable to live without communion with God.
What is striking about this psalm is the depth of emotion and honesty. The psalmist does not hide his pain, confusion, or sorrow. He weeps, he questions, he remembers better days, and he speaks to his own soul. Yet even in this turmoil, his heart remains anchored in God. He continually returns to hope, reminding himself that he will yet praise God.
This is what distinguishes a true worshiper: even when circumstances are painful, worship does not disappear. It may be mixed with tears, questions, and longing, but it remains alive. True worshipers may be cast down, but they do not abandon their praise. They understand that God is not only worthy of worship in times of abundance, but also in times of exile.
It may seem strange to some that the sons of Korah were so distressed simply because they were far from the house of God. But this reaction should not surprise us. A true worshiper values communion with God above all else. Being unable to worship freely and corporately is a real source of pain for someone whose heart is aligned with God.
They were not complaining about the absence of material comfort. They were grieving the loss of worship. This reveals a profound spiritual priority: God’s presence mattered more to them than physical well-being. Worship was not a routine; it was life itself.
This challenges us to examine our own hearts. How do we respond when we are unable to gather with God’s people? Do we feel indifference, or do we feel a genuine longing to worship? Do we miss the presence of God, or are we more affected by the absence of convenience and comfort?
Beloved brothers and sisters, how many of us have truly felt sorrow for being away from the house of God? How many of us long for worship the way the sons of Korah did? Their example reminds us that worship is not an obligation imposed from outside, but a desire born within.
Jesus said that the Father is seeking true worshipers. This means that God Himself desires this kind of worship. He is not looking for perfect performances, flawless music, or impressive rituals. He is seeking hearts that are fully devoted, humble, sincere, and grounded in truth.
May our desire to worship God never diminish. May it never be weaker than the longing expressed by the sons of Korah. Let us remember that we were created to give praise to our God, not merely with our lips, but with our entire lives. And may we always worship Him in spirit and in truth, for He alone is worthy.