Heart of a Worshipper

Worship is our response to Jesus for what He has done for us and for who He is, in spite of who we are. It's our cry out to God when we're hurt, in pain, or afraid, and it's our shouts of joy despite suffering or in response to great things. It's not just music, but it's also a lifestyle, yet we are still commanded to lift praises to God in song, and in community. Worship is a way we live, individually and together. It's anything that we do to respond and give glory to God, be that music, serving, preaching, encouraging, etc.

To lead in worship is something that is challenging. It's a balance between musicality and sounding good, and recognizing that you are inviting a group of people into something bigger than themselves and while the Holy Spirit is the one who draws them to worship, you still have a role to play because God chooses to do His work through you. He can convict and do wonders and all sorts of things to draw others to praise Him, but because He delights in us, He allows us to be a part of that. We're His vessels, called to do His work.

This was what I hoped to convey to the extended GCF worship team last night. God answers prayer so abundantly. I was hoping for one or two people who could play guitar or piano or sing, anything, and He gave me seven. Now that is awesome, and they sounded great last night! I'm so excited that I have more than enough people and that we can rotate everyone in and out to build their skills and help them understand what it means to lead in worship and how that's different from just worshipping individually.

I came across Psalm 24 while I was at Rockbridge over the weekend and these six verses really resonated with me, as they relate enormously to the kinds of songs I've been choosing this year to help guide GCF in worship:

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?

4 Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who do not put their trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

5 They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.