I made a grave mistake the other day. Actually, if I’m being honest I make this mistake quite often, nearly every day, at least every week, every month. Every so often I start to believe that worship music is meant for me. It is supposed to benefit me, make me stronger and help me grow in Christ. I am supposed to get something out of it. If not, then it needs to change, or I need to go somewhere else on Sundays. Oh, the self importance.
I don’t know how many times I’ve turned to my wife after church and said, “Eh, I didn’t get a whole lot out of the worship.” If I’m not sharing my displeasure with her, I’m basking in it in my own head. On days worship works for me, if I feel lifted (as I think I should), I tend to voice the opposite opinion. I walk with a lighter step through the parking lot, singing as I go. “Worship was great today,” goes the lyric, “I really got a lot of out of it!” Oh, the self delusion.
I suppose I’d have room to complain if worship was truly meant for me, but it’s not. Even on my cloud of arrogance, I know this. Although, from up here, sometimes the truth is harder to put into focus. When I do succeed, the truth becomes glaringly clear. Worship is not an inward act. I should not be focused on myself, hoping my heart will lift along with my hands. My focus should be outwards, towards Him. Worship is my chance to praise Him, to thank Him, for everything He has done in my life. For His love, for His grace, for all the blessings I am so unworthy of enjoying. Oh, the self realization.
I hope I remember this on Sunday, and on every Sunday after that. I hope I can stand there, aching feet and all, during a song I don’t especially enjoy, and worship with all my might, as if it was my favorite song of all. When it’s over, I hope I don’t rush to sit down. I hope I don’t whisper a quiet “thank you” under my breath. Instead, I hope I ache for more. I hope I desire to stand there all day. Regardless of the music, whether it is my style or not, I hope I desire to just be there. To be in His presence. To Worship the Lord. Oh, the self denial.
Comments
5 Responses to “Why Do We Worship?”
You know, I struggled with this in the same way. I prayed for God to give me a true worshippers heart. I would stand during worship, worried about what other people would think about me if I didn’t raise my hands, or just stand there ready to sit down, already! I also never truly understood why people lifted their hands (read my blog on this one: http://iprayinjesusname.blogspot.com/2009/05/lifting-hands.html) as I grew up in a church that never did that. My pastor helped to make it crystal clear for me: “lifting your hands is a love gesture towards your Father, as if you are trying to hug Him or kiss him. Since we can’t physically do those things, lifting our hands is a sign of surrender to Him and a way to show Him we love Him.” I just kept praying for the Lord to show me how He wants me to worship Him – and He did. I am now free to worship and it feels awesome. I get excited to walk through the doors and really feel as though I am worshipping from my heart. I hope you find this too!!! Keep praying, friend!!
http://iprayinjesusname.blogspot.com/2009/05/lifting-hands.html
here’s the link again – other one was broken!
Good post, Lee.
You probably believe the same as me in this…but I came to the realization a while back that worship is more than just what happens at church on Sunday mornings. Worship is a lifestyle. From tipping a waiter, to prayers for someone when they have a need, to turning the other cheek, to sharing the love of Christ with one who needs it. God is glorified in more of the way we live our lives through the week than just during a worship service.
With that being said, sometimes I forget that…especially working with the tech ministry at my church. Sometimes I am too focused on making sure everything fires correctly and graphics are done appropriately, that I am concerned more with that than worshiping. That is wrong. Although that should be my responsibility, I still need to make sure that I can worship and that I honor Christ in all that I do…production wise.
Ken
Excellent comment, Ken and I completely do agree with you. The way we live our lives is an act of worshiping God…as it should be. One extension of that is the worship music on Sunday mornings, sometimes we can get confused and think that we need to find the right style of music that works for us, which I understand (I do it), but the truth is it shouldn’t matter. The music isn’t for us, neither is the worship, it’s for God.
Also, glad you want to worship as you switch the slides, etc. I encourage you to do so, but don’t be the guy who forgets to switch the slide the next lyric. I always wonder what’s going on back there when the words are stuck…guess I now know.
If you got nothing from the worship service…is it perhaps that you put nothing in to it? Did you properly prepare yourself?
Can you be served as you serve? (yes)
And what about the non-believer….what would he/she have gotten form the service? (did you invite one?)
Don’t mind me…I’m just looking for answers to my own problems………….unless you want to write back