The Bible makes it perfectly clear that worship is not just an event to be enjoyed one time a week, but it refers to the way a life should be lived. Living a life of worship means that we get up each morning and immediately set our hearts on Jesus Christ; it means that we live as if everything in life begins and ends with worship; it means that we truly believe that our highest privilege and our most glorious calling as Christians is to worship. We also acknowledge the day by day challenge of such a task. The question that must be asked at the beginning of every day is, "How do I intentionally image forth the sufficiency, grace and glory of His life today?" What a sobering thought.

Simply put then, worship is a lifestyle. But the not so simple question is, "What does a lifestyle of worship look like?" Well, to be sure, it is a radically different lifestyle than what a person may be accustomed to and what one may see and hear in the media. While the world constantly emphasizes an extravagant lifestyle for self, the Bible talks about an extravagant lifestyle that should show the value and  worth of our great savior, Jesus Christ. Matthew 22:37 describes a love that is very extravagant when it reminds all of us that the very first commandment says that we are to love God with all of our heart, with all of our soul, and with all of our mind. This verse means that worship requires something from us. It requires "obedience". To choose to be extravagant in my love and worship each day demands that I intentionally and cheerfully choose to do what I know to be right.

Why is the word "obedience" such a frightening word for so many Christians today? The answer is simple according to scripture. Obedience requires that we respond correctly. John said in John 14:15, "If you really love me, you will keep (obey) My commandments". He continues this thought in verse 23 when He says, "If a person really loves me, he will keep my word (obey my teachings); and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him". Love, worship, and obedience are all tied together.

Every time we choose to do the right thing by opening up our hearts to worship, love, and have a willingness to obey His voice, we will be blessed by the special presence of God. Imagine enjoying His presence, not just on Sunday when the Church gathers corporately to worship, but every single day of our lives even when we are all alone.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF PERSONAL WORSHIP 
Often, we tend to spend much of our time trying to do things for God rather than simply spending time with God and listening to His still, small voice.Real, spiritual transformation takes place when a person delights in having private, quality time with Jesus Christ. All of us desperately need those times of intimate solitude when we are in His special presence. If we don't plan for it and intentionally schedule it, sometimes it may get lost in the business of the day.

The benefits of such a life of worship are numerous. Here are just a few:

CONFESSION OF PERSONAL SIN: Who has ever associated sin with worship? Well, among many, Isaiah did. In Isaiah 6, when he was caught up in God's presence and saw Him high and lifted up, he was immediately moved to confess his own sin. True worship always leads to repentance and confession.
HONESTY BEFORE GOD: David wrote Psalm 51 to remind himself and future generations that when you are honest and transparent before God, the cry of your heart will be, "Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
INCREASED HUNGER FOR THE THINGS OF GOD: Worship creates a desire for His Word, His truth, and His special presence. "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink" (John 7:37).

If you feel you are continually running on empty, then you need to get alone with God, worship Him, respond to Him, and most importantly, obey Him. If you try to do life on your own, you will fail. But if you take God at His Word, you will find the true meaning of life that others will emulate. A life lived in His presence.