Pondering Worship #1

In a little home, a girl sat with several elderly faces looking at her. She tried to sing, but with each breath her throat continued to constrict and give out. Sure, it was just because she had been sick and her lungs were not quite back to normal, but would she have to leave after just beginning their songs? The battle began. It may seem odd, but this girl believes that spiritual battles are fought even over the most commonplace circumstances. Even over a throat tickle.

As she continued trying to breath evenly and keep singing normally, she reflected on why she was even in this little home. Why did she even take a portion of her day to worship God in front of these people? Because the King of kings is worthy of all praise, worthy of being proclaimed to all people. She thought about these people looking at her. Did they know what it is like to worship God? Did they know that this is what they were created for? If only it were possible to show them! But she could not. As she fought just to keep singing, she realized her own weakness. Every breath is given from Him. Even singing is impossible without His allowing it, without Him giving the strength. This makes us quite dependent, doesn't it? Completely dependent. And yet, as we seek to proclaim His great name, how often do we rely on our own (seeming) strength? In our pride we forget just how dependant we are.

This girl learned quite the lesson as she began to cry out to God that He might sing through her, that He would be her "strength and song". Satan would have stolen her voice and made her leave right then and there. But he can't win. Not when one is calling on Jesus Christ. God is so gracious, and as the people sat listening, she saw their faces turn from uncertainty and distraction into smiles of understanding. What an amazing God we serve! He inhabits the praises of His people, showing Himself strong through their weaknesses. We cannot make Him known to them, but we sure can rely on Him to come and show Himself. And He will. He has. He does.



Worship is a clue to meaning in life.



You have been chosen to proclaim His excellencies. Never forget that He gives you the very strength to do so. Today, as you praise our King, remember to sing clearly, boldly, joyfully, and sincerely. He is worthy.