Discover the power of relational worship in this inspiring conclusion to the Christmas Worship Challenge. Start your New Year with worship with practical tips, Scripture reflections, and encouragement to press into deeper intimacy with God in every moment.

Begin Your New Year with Worship

I am overjoyed by the incredible feedback so many of you have shared about The Christmas Worship Challenge! A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who participated. Your engagement and reflections have made this journey so meaningful. Today’s post marks the conclusion of the challenge—for now. The last few days of the challenge will compile all the worship tools from this series into one convenient resource.

“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”

Galatians 4:6

We Don’t Worship Alone

When we worship in spirit and truth, whether through singing or other acts of devotion, we’re never alone. Our worship is a partnership with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, praising and glorifying the Father. The Spirit bears witness in and through us, transforming our offerings into a living song that touches the heart of God.

A Living Song: Relational Worship

In the intimate act of relational worship, we find a profound truth: worship is not about us striving on one side to please a distant God on the other. Instead, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are invited into God’s presence to behold His majesty. This is worship from a place of closeness and connection, yet I often realize how my worship falls short of this intimacy.

“Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.’”

John 14:23 (NLT)

Too often, my worship becomes diluted—tainted by pride, self-focus, or the distractions of daily life. It is burdened by circumstances, weighed down by fear, guilt, or sin, and hemmed in by the rigidity of routine or the noise of the world.

Worship Tip: Press Through, Press In

Worship doesn’t ignore life’s challenges; it invites us to bring them before God. In Scripture, new songs often emerge from moments of great trial or heartbreak. A new song can be an act of faith, a declaration of trust in God’s goodness even amid the unthinkable. Sometimes, a new song is a cry for help—a plea born of desperation yet brimming with hope.

“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; my lovingkindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge…. Send out Your arrows and confuse them. Stretch forth Your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me out of great waters…. I will sing a new song to You, O God.”

Psalm 144:1-11 (portions)

Today’s Worship Challenge

As we step into a new year, let worship shape our beginning. Here are some practical ways to respond:

• Ask God for a new song. Invite Him to place fresh expressions of praise on your lips and in your heart.
• Worship in your distress. Offer your pain, grief, and burdens to the One who promises comfort and peace.
• Worship in celebration. Rejoice in His blessings and faithfulness with a heart full of gratitude.
• Worship in the mundane. Seek His presence in the ordinary moments of daily life, allowing even small acts to become offerings of devotion.

Let your heart open wide to worship the One who is always faithful. As this new year begins, trust that He will walk with you through every moment ahead. May your days be filled with joy and blessing as you lift your heart in praise.

Whatever season you find yourself in, know that God is inviting you to draw closer, to sing a new song, and to worship Him with all that you are. Embrace this invitation and let worship transform your year ahead.