“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100 (KJV)
“Do you know how hard it is to worship when the congregation sits there like a knot-on-a-log?” the praise team asked at practice. “Pastor, they give no expression of joy. It’s like they have lost their best friend.”
I explained to the praise team that God is our audience. So as the worship leaders, we must close our eyes to distractions and be certain that we are worshipping him. Yes, it is difficult to get into the spirit of worship if those around us are not seemingly interested in worship. If we focus on them, however, we begin to wonder why they came to the service. And of course, our mind and spirit begins to get cold and we fail to worship. So what do we do?
Focus our attention on God. He has made you and me. We didn’t form ourselves. We are who we are by his grace. Stir up the joy within ourselves. Let expressions of joy burst forth from our lips. Understand clearly that we are entering into the presence of our God. Worship of the Only Wise Eternal God is not some mechanical obligation or customary tradition we do. It is better than going to Grandma’s house at Christmas. It is more than eating out, going shopping, or enjoying our favorite team win. We are serving gladness to our Lord and Savior! We are glad that he has saved us! We are glad that he has invited us to his house! We are glad that everlasting life is ours!
Then begin singing praises and thanksgiving. Thank God for his amazing grace! Thank God for his blessings to us. Thank God! Thank God! Thank God! His name is great and greatly to be praised! He is good all the time! His mercy and grace is eternal! His truth is timeless! How great is our God! Let the veil down and let the praise go up, we are in the presence of our God.
Dear Father, thank you for inviting us into your presence. Empower us with joy and gladness and thanksgiving. Enable us to freely express our joy with singing and blessings. May we truly worship you in spirit and in truth. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us worship God for who he is and live to his glory,