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When many people hear the word worship, they immediately think of music. A slow song. Hands raised. Lyrics on a screen. And while singing is absolutely a part of worship, it is not the whole picture. Worship is more than a song—it’s about an encounter with the presence of God.

In God’s presence, anything can happen. Healing can take place. Restoration can begin. Freedom can break chains. Salvation can change a life forever. One moment in His presence can accomplish what a lifetime of striving never could. That’s why at Impact Church, we are unapologetically a presence-driven church. God’s presence is not a side value—it’s our pursuit.

Without His presence, we have no true direction, no lasting hope, no strength to stand, and no real identity. But when we encounter Him, something shifts. His goodness overwhelms us. His power humbles us. And suddenly we realize that nothing else in this world truly satisfies. Once you’ve tasted His presence, you don’t want to settle for routine ever again.

For many of us, church can become familiar. We know the songs. We know when to say “amen.” We know how the service flows. Yet deep down, we feel like something is missing. That missing piece isn’t a better system or a new formula—it’s the presence of God. Worship was never meant to be mechanical. It was meant to be transformational.

From the very beginning of Scripture, God’s desire has been clear: He wants to dwell with His people. In Exodus 25:8, God tells Israel, “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” In the Old Testament, God’s presence resided in the tabernacle, specifically in the Holy of Holies, hidden behind a veil. Only one priest could enter, and only once a year.

But everything changed with Jesus.

When Jesus died, the veil was torn from top to bottom. It was heaven’s declaration that God was no longer confined to a building. He was moving into hearts. God didn’t want annual visits—He wanted a permanent address. Through Christ, we became His sanctuary.

Scripture makes this clear. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Living stones being built into a spiritual house. God doesn’t just want to be with us—He wants to dwell within us. That means worship isn’t something we start when the music plays or stop when the last song ends. True worship is making our lives a dwelling place for God.

When God says, “Make Me a sanctuary,” He’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for priority. A life set apart. A heart that says, “You’re not getting my leftovers—you’re getting my best.” God wants to be more than a Sunday guest. He wants full-life inhabitation.

So what does God want from us? Just one thing: a heart of worship.

Worship recognizes who He is—above all things, without rival or equal. Worship remembers what He has done—our creation, redemption, forgiveness, and purpose. And worship places Him above everything else. God doesn’t want to be another key on our keyring; He wants to be the ring that holds everything together.

At the end of the day, worship is not about visiting God’s presence—it’s about hosting it. Living in such a way that He feels welcomed, honored, and at home. Let’s not just sing about His presence. Let’s be His presence everywhere we go.

Because worship… is more than a song.