Psalm 29:2 - "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness."
Have you ever given someone a compliment that just felt right? “That was wonderful,” or “You did a great job on that,” saying it not out of politeness, but because it was the only honest thing to say. That’s what Psalm 29:2 is all about. When we worship God, we’re not just participating in a church activity—we’re responding truthfully to who God is. Worship is simply the most fitting response we can give to the greatness and goodness of our God.
David said, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.” In other words, give God what He’s rightfully owed. This isn’t about hyping up God or flattering Him—He doesn’t need that. It’s about recognizing and honoring His worth. God’s name—His very nature, character, and reputation—deserves glory. To give Him less would fall way short of what He truly deserves.
And really, what a name it is! Psalm 29 says we worship the Lord “in the splendor of His holiness.” Holiness here speaks of more than moral purity—it reflects God’s absolute uniqueness, His radiant beauty, His separateness from all creation, and His glorious difference from everything else we know. When we catch even a glimpse of that holiness, worship becomes less about preference or style and more about reverence and awe. Worship becomes a return—not payment, but praise. Not from obligation, but from overflow.
And here’s something interesting: worship doesn’t just go to God, it also does something in us. When we turn our eyes toward Him, when we give Him the honor He deserves, our hearts start to change. Worship shapes us. It stretches our vision and lifts us out of our own small worlds. Worship reminds us that life isn’t centered on us, but on God. Romans 12 talks about offering our lives as a “living sacrifice” in worship—and how that act renews our minds and transforms us.
Worship also reorients us. It untangles our hearts from the clutter of fear, pride, worry, and self-focus, and draws us back to what matters most: the goodness and glory of God.
But it doesn’t stop there. Worship also speaks to the world. When people see God’s people gathering to praise—not because we’re trying to impress anyone, but because we delight in God—they see something deeper than religion. They see a relationship. They see joy. They see truth. In fact, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14 that even unbelievers can be moved to worship when they see the real presence of God among His people. Worship becomes a testimony—clear, powerful, and beautiful.
Worship is our attempt—imperfect, yet sincere—to return to God the thankfulness He deserves for all He has done for us. It’s not just a moment of song or a warm, spiritual feeling. It’s the fitting and joyful response of hearts that have been created, loved, and redeemed by Him.
When we worship, we’re offering back to God the honor and gratitude that rightfully belong to Him. And in doing so, something beautiful happens: our souls are refreshed, our witness is strengthened, and we are lovingly reminded that this world is not our true home.
Worship isn’t a performance or a mood—it’s a gift of thanks from us to God. A steady rhythm of remembering, rejoicing, and returning.
He is worthy of all we can offer—and so much more. And in giving God what He deserves, we often find what we’ve been missing all along: deep, steady, lasting joy.
So whenever you heed the call to worship—on a Sunday morning, in a quiet moment at home, or just in the middle of your day—remember: it isn’t about going through the motions. It’s not about whether the song is your favorite, or if you feel like it. It’s about stepping into something deeply true and incredibly right.
