In Mark 5, we find the story of Jairus. Jairus implores Jesus to come and heal his daughter. His faith is evident in this story; but so is another truth about what it truly means to worship.

Verses 21-24 read, “When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.’ And he went with him.”

Life had hit Jairus hard. His need was shouting a thousand times louder than his pride—which has a way of humbling us. He realized he didn’t have all the answers, and he was ready to stop pretending otherwise. He was ready to begin seeking the One who did.

Jairus not only came to Jesus but kneeled before Him, at the expense of his reputation, and everything he had worked for his whole life to obtain. Worship is more than just singing a favorite gospel song, though that’s a great place to start. It’s our hearts’ and bodies’ honest response to a glimpse of the greatness of God; and is usually most authentic when it costs us something.

No matter what’s happening in your life right now, you have the choice to worship. Like Jairus, you can lay aside your pride—the unknowns—the stresses—the frustrations—and come to Jesus. Real worship—authentic, powerful worship—requires us to be real about where we are, and to still profess that Jesus is Lord at the same time. When we do that, miracles can happen.

Live Big!

Dr. Derek Grier