I believe your view of God influences worship. Why? If you think God is a mean, greedy being to be appeased, you will worship only to placate Him. You will not want to spend time or do more than is required. But, if you think God loves you, has a plan for your life, and desires a relationship with you, you will freely worship Him from your heart.
How Does Micah View God?
God had told Micah to warn of impending judgment because the people had rebelled against God. The people had been going their own way for about 250 years. There were glimmers of repentance, but they were short-lived. Micah joined a long list of prophets God sent to urge the people to repent. Shemaiah, Azariah, Hanani, Jahaziel, Eliezer, Obadiah, Joel, Isaiah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah warned the people of the upcoming disaster.
God is much more patient than I am. He gave His people hundreds of years to repent and sent many messages to tell the people. Micah concludes his book with this. Micah 7:18 Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love… 20 You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.[1]
Unfailing Love and Worship
Micah uses the term “unfailing love” twice as he concludes his book. “Unfailing love” is how the New Living Translation translates the Hebrew word hesed. Other Bible versions may use “love and faithfulness,” “unfailing love,” “faithful love,” “steadfast love,” and “loyal love,” to translate hesed. But none of these fully capture the meaning of the word. Hesed is not merely an emotion or feeling but involves action on behalf of someone in need. Hesed describes a sense of love and loyalty that inspires merciful and compassionate behavior toward another person. God is faithful to keep His covenant to benefit His people. [2]
When we know that our God has hesed love for us, we can’t but worship Him. Micah knew that the character of God was to keep His promises, give second chances, and be loyal and compassionate. I want to spend time in a relationship with this type of God because His characteristics deserve praise and worship.
To learn how your view of God influences worship, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/what-is-required-in-worship
[1] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.