British children used to play a game called “King of the castle.” The object was to be the highest person among the players. It was usually played around a fallen tree or on a hill slope. There were few rules; just a rough-and-tumble for dominance. Adults spoiled the game. They had a height advantage so “highest” became a relative term when they were around. If we’re honest, God wins the bigger game all the time. Worship is a recognition of His supremacy.

Exalt the LORD our God
And worship at His footstool;
Holy is He…
Exalt the LORD our God
And worship at His holy hill,
For holy is the LORD our God. (Ps. 99:5, 9)

The Hebrew root of the word “exalt” is rum. The Bible uses it of things that are high and lofty. As a verb used of God it is a relative term because we cannot raise God any higher than He is, except in our own perspective. He can increase in our estimation of Him and we can humble ourselves before Him.

O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together. (Ps. 34:3, see also Isa. 12:4)

God’s “name” stands for all that He is. Our exaltation of His name elevates everything about God in our lives.

We always benefit from worshiping God. Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.” Where does your godly imagination take you? See Him exalted above every obstacle, pouring out every resource to accomplish His will. A Psalm gives another example of what we gain in worship:

Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Ps. 46:10)

When we stop fretting and reflect on who God really is, we begin to see life’s problems in perspective. The truth is that because God is God, He will eventually be accepted as higher than all the nations on earth. If He rules the nations then He can certainly handle our challenges. It is hard to return to striving when we have recognized Him as King of the castle.

Worship includes exaltation.