The Right Way to Worship

One of the key words in the Old Testament for worship is the Hebrew word, derek, which is translated “way,” or “path.” It is used to describe the lifestyle or culture of both the righteous and the wicked. Psalm 1 says that the blessed man is the one who does not “stand in the way of sinners.” Not only does he not travel in their direction, he does not even go near it. This Psalm ends with the clear instruction, “The LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

The first place this word is used in the OT is in Genesis 3:24, “…he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” God had a particular path, His way, to the tree of life. Because of their sinful condition, Adam and Eve would be blocked from knowing that path. In a sense, their steps were no longer straight. Their heart was divided. Their life was fractured. They were unable to walk in the way pleasing to the Lord, in His way.

The cry of the psalmist was to learn the way of the LORD. Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” In that simple request you learn that the way of the Lord is a particular direction, that it must be learned from God, that it is learned from His word, and that it has purpose. The purpose of learning the way of the Lord is to live a life of worshiping the Father in spirit and truth.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. When you decide that you desire to learn the ways of God you begin with Christ and learn of Him. All of the ways of God are seen in the Lord Jesus Christ. Every step He took pleased the Father.

The way to the tree of life is no longer blocked. It was opened with the invitation of Jesus when He said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 – 30.

The first step in the journey of becoming a true worshiper who worships the Father in spirit and truth, is the step of following Christ. Learning the ways of God is to learn of Christ and His ways.

Today, learn and the prayer of Psalm 86:11. Know what you are asking God for in that prayer and the path of it. Meditate on the destination of that prayer and you will be transformed along the way.