Friday, February 5, 2010

Worship is a journey



Sometimes I, along with some friends, have the privilege and enjoyment of leading worship. And while there are multiple distractions and motives that possibly get in the way, I am honored to play a role in creating an atmosphere for people to experience God. I have been in and out of praise bands for about 10 years now, and here are a few observations I have noted concerning praise and worship. Keep in mind, worship is not limited to singing and clapping for about 20 minutes a week. It is an everyday thing, a continuing process. The thoughts I have to share are about those times when we sing before hearing from pastors and Bible study.

Worship is a journey. While praising and singing, we attempt to get to a place where we are focused and prepared for what God is about to tell us.

Sometimes that journey has obstacles in the way. We may need to right some wrongs before we even begin:

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave you gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

“Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:8-10

Or the obstacle could be distractions. We are a generation of multitasking. Cell phones, To-Do lists, and even random thoughts are things we must lay aside in order to get to a place where we can truly listen to God.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10

Sometimes the journey is a painful one. Have you ever been singing a song and actually realize what you are singing? A lot of worship songs are straight out of scripture. And the Word has a way of cutting us to the core of who we are and of what we are guilty:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

We are guilty of singing lies. It may sound good, we may hit every note, and participate in clapping and yelling, but we flippantly sing words that instantly reveal our lack of reverence and honor. It is then that we should stop singing, confess our sins, and repent:

“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” 1 Corinthians 11:28-29

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Isaiah could not join in with the singing when he was in the presence of the Lord. He wanted to die [Isaiah 6:5]. When we join in with the angels and heavenly beings who are already worshiping God, we have the audacity to assume that we are doing God a favor by singing praise to Him. We are blessing Him with our voice and presence, as if He needed it.

Sometimes the journey is a marathon. We need to pursue God. But sometimes He may not answer us right away. Abraham waited on God. Jacob wrestled with God. David pleaded with God for Him to answer.

“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;” Isaiah 40:31

Sometimes the journey is a desperate sprint, running to God to get away from sin and worldly emotions. We realize how deep our need is for God and His provision and deliverance, especially during trials:

“let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Ephesians 4:31

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8

This journey may look different for each one of us, but the path to the presence of God through worship is far from simple. We are not perfect. We do not deserve to worship our God. But we are commanded to. It is one of our purposes in life: To give Him glory through song and praise. Let us be willing to fully participate in the journey that is worship.


p.s. I did that drawing on Print Artist.