Where Do We Look When We Worship?

There’s a hilarious scene in Talladega Nights where Will Ferrell’s character awkwardly confesses during an interview, “I don’t know what to do with my hands.” Sometimes, church can feel the same way. We show up, sing songs, hear a message—but what are we really supposed to be doing? Where should our focus be?

True worship involves directing our attention in four crucial directions. If we want to experience the full richness of worship, we need to be intentional about where we look.

1. Look Upward

The first and most important direction is upward. Colossians 3:2-3 tells us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Worship is not primarily about us—it’s about God.

Every part of the service—singing, praying, hearing the Word—should lift our eyes and hearts to heaven. If our attention is on ourselves or the world around us first, we’ve missed the point. Worship demands that we look up, fix our gaze on Christ, and glorify the God who alone is worthy.

And if the person leading worship ever fails to point you toward Jesus, remember: you can—and must—still seek Him yourself.

2. Look Inward

Worship also invites us to look inward. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.”

As we worship, seeing God’s holiness and grace naturally causes us to reflect on our own lives. Are there areas where we need to repent? Ways we need to grow? Worship isn’t just an outward act; it’s a moment of deep personal examination and spiritual realignment.

We don’t focus on ourselves instead of God—but as we look up to Him, we can’t help but be confronted with who we are in light of who He is.

3. Look Outward

Worship is deeply personal, but it’s also deeply communal. Ephesians 5:18b-19 encourages us to be filled with the Spirit, “speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord.”

We gather as a family, not as isolated individuals. Part of our worship is being aware of those around us—encouraging, praying for, and supporting one another. It’s not about physically scanning the room, but about having an awareness of the spiritual lives and struggles of our brothers and sisters.

When we look to God, we naturally begin to see others through His eyes—with compassion, grace, and love.

4. Look Backward

Finally, worship calls us to look backward. Psalm 77:12 says, “I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions.” After we leave the building, worship isn’t supposed to stay behind.

We’re called to carry the songs, prayers, and Word with us—into our conversations, our workplaces, our families. Sunday isn’t the only day to worship. Every moment of our lives is meant to be lived as an act of worship to the Lord.

Think of corporate worship as a gas station. It fuels you for the week ahead, but you have to carry that fuel with you, not leave it at the pump. 

Final Thoughts: Keep Meeting, Keep Looking

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to “consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together.”

Gathering regularly for worship is essential. But so is remembering why we gather—to glorify a Savior who loved us enough to die for us and offer us new life.

Each week as we worship, remember to look:

Upward to God,

Inward to your own heart,

Outward to your community,

Backward to carry worship into your daily life.

Never forget: worship isn’t just what we do on Sundays. It’s who we are every day because of who He is.