Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1)
Today we resume our letters to Libby but we will switch our focus to the Discipline of Worship. As a reminder, you will play the part of Libby and share your thoughts on the challenges people are facing. Libby is not expected to be an expert. Rather, Libby simply shares from personal and practical experiences. So, please feel free to chime in even if you have questions yourself. Also, even if you don’t have the time to share, think about how you have addressed the challenge in your life or how you would address it in the life of a loved one.
Please review the Bible passage above and Marlon’s challenge below.
Dear Libby,
I am very interested in your thoughts on how I can grow beyond a limited view of worship in both theory and application. Although I have heard quotes such as “Worship is a lifestyle.”, I still associate worship with entertainment. Further, as a matter of application, I treat worship by and large as a spectator sport. I love to hear great worship songs and see good worship leaders in action, but my involvement feels “empty”.
I know there must be more to worship and long for something deeper.
Feeling for more,
Marlon
Today’s Question:
What thoughts would you like to share with Marlon?
March 27, 2017 at 12:50 am
Dear Marlon,
I have found myself in the same position as you before. Sometimes, I get caught up in how “nice” a worship song sounds, or I sing the words without really thinking about them. One way I’ve started to find more meaning in worship is keeping in mind the scriptural basis for the songs I sing. If I can recognize the passages that are included in songs or that are alluded to, I can connect more deeply through the music. It’s a reminder that what I’m saying is not just a set of “good lyrics,” but actual, scripture inspired words.
Sincerely,
Natalie
March 27, 2017 at 6:49 am
Dear Marlon,
One of my favorite verses is found I. The Psalms where David said, “I was glad when they said to me, Let is go into the house of the Lord for worship.” I enjoy sining and leading in worship and have learned a few things:
1. Pray before times of worship. I ask God to cleanse me as I prepare to give Him glory and thanks.
2. Worship isn’t a spectator sport but an extension of our prayer. When I’m leading worship I want to model worship, not distract attention from the God we worship.
3. Some of the best worship times as at home alone. When it’s just you and the Lord. It usually leads to real ugly crying and praying 😊.
4. Focus on the lyrics. There are some very gifted musicians that have put words to music that will impact you as much as any sermon. There are instrumentals that allow you to ad your own lyrics through words of prayer.
I hope these few points helped you.
Happy worshiping!
March 27, 2017 at 7:49 am
Hi Marlon,
I have been there too so have pondered your same questions. To me, worship is ascribing God His worth, which pretty much means being in awe with Him or one of His attributes. So I can look at some particularly beautiful example of His creation and be in awe of Him and just look up and say “Wow God, how great You are!” Or experience His mercy or loving-kindness and tear up for Him without words. Or remember His faithfulness and be overwhelmed with gratitude. I can sing out to Him these praises in my heart of hearts, in my own words, spoken/sung out loud or not.
I can also be led into these ‘places of worship’ by worship songs written by others and performed in my midst. In these times, if I am not ‘feeling it’, I try to think deeply of the words, and turning my focus to Him, sing them to Him, substituting any reference to God in the third person (Him) with addressing Him directly in the second person (You). This makes my worship more personal and intimate with Him.
And last but not least, I try to remember that no, God does not ‘need’ my praises, but it brings Him great joy to see His beloved children returning to the truth of His sovereign goodness and faithfulness, being overwhelmed by the extravagance of His love, all of which we need, renewing our focus on Him such that we might overcome the trails and temptations of this world to be with Him here and now, not just in the next life.
Yes, it takes effort sometimes, due to our fallen nature, but it is always worth it, as is He!
Yours in Him
March 27, 2017 at 10:26 am
Dear Marlon,
Thank you for your letter. Worship music and song is a lovely means of expression of our devotion to GOD however the heart of worship is in total obedience and submission to Almighty GOD. A life of obedience and surrender to GOD’s will is the correct posture of the creature to its Maker. And in its rightful position the creature is just as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18). Although HE is the King of kings and LORD of lords, in wonderful condescension He adopts us as HIS children and calls us friends.
Worshiping may sound rather complicated but indeed GOD has made it quite simple for HIS children. I find that as I immerse myself in Bible reading, prayer and observe HIS creation – I am filled with ever increasing awe and astonishment at the might, magnificence, goodness, glory and omnipotence of our GOD, and at the same time I esteem myself less, become increasingly aware of my own insignificance. The Holy Spirit works through the means of Bible reading, prayer and observation of His creation to create within us a true heart of worship. it is a gradual thing – a process that takes time but the end is sure. GOD is patient and is the Supreme Husbandman. Scripture tells us that HE who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6)
Therefore my brother, the path to true worship is to immerse yourself in GOD’s word – study the ready evidence of HIS goodness ( I tend to marvel at the vastness of the open sky) – pray steadfastly, and GOD through HIS Spirit will do the rest.
It is that simple.
March 27, 2017 at 10:41 am
I Like the total obedience and submission to God.
What I think this is —-Live a Godly Life by helping people and not just talking about it.
Simple things like sharing your Sunday lunch or your time with a lonely person.
Songs / music are just the icing.