However, I fear that this perspective, though appealing, might miss the point about what worship is and why sometimes it can be so difficult. In truth, the great hindrance to worship is not environment or whether the worship leader is compelling. No! The ultimate obstruction to true, authentic worship is and has always been a heart matter. Worship is only possible from a penitent posture that is honest with self as it is honest with God.
This is why it is so important that whenever we find that we are struggling to enter into times of worship that we not look at the particulars of what we're doing but we would rather assess where our hearts are at.
This is why it is so important that whenever we find that we are struggling to enter into times of worship that we not look at the particulars of what we're doing but we would rather assess where our hearts are at.
"musically"..blessings to you Nick, for this is quite true, worship starting at the "heart of the worshipper"....it simply won't happen, speaking of the "anointing" until the hearts are turned toward God, and totally/partially tuned in, or open, to the spirit of the Lord, and worshipping Him in spirit and truth! What a blessing it is to sing at the top of your lungs, or just a whisper, when our hearts are totally adoring Him! Just the name of Jesus gives me a thrill when I speak His name (which comes from a grateful heart). There's an older praise and worship song entitled "Love You So Much"...some of the lyrics are so "adore-able", (in the context of adorable to the Lord).."hear these praises from a grateful heart..each time I think of you the praises start...love you so much, Jesus, love you so much..
ReplyDeleteThen again, for the tone deaf person, especially those, it is easier for them to worship with either poor musicians or great musicians, making no difference, than the "trained ear" musician....I find it is difficult for me to worship with a full heart when the musicianship is less than great...so have to concentrate harder on the Lord, and try not to be distracted by musical errors, etc. I have to really work at ignoring the musicianship part and concentrate on the Lord. That is why I prefer excellence in musicianship in worship, to the best of our ability, which makes it easier for me. This isn't being selfish, just the way I am, so have to concentrate harder on the Lord, to drown out sour notes, and maybe sing a little louder, or pray a little harder! It also is the same way for me when working on something, hard to have music on in the background, because I automatically start memorizing it in my spirit, which distracts me from what I am doing. This can be very frustrating, so sometimes would prefer to be tone deaf, and not know the difference!
ReplyDeleteThe song that comes to mind is "Audience of One" by Big Daddy Weave. I have been guilty of saying "I didn't get anything out of worship today" not realizing that I wasn't supposed to "get" anything out of it. I was supposed to be giving. Giving my love and adoration to God, my Audience of One.
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