It’s year 25 since I first stood in front of a congregation to lead worship, and oh my how things have changed! Whether waving my arms inside a pulpit (yes inside-it was a giant cave thing) in the mid 90’s or standing behind a keyboard singing in the 21st century, the style of worship has definitely changed, but worship itself has not. Music – yes! Lighting – yes! Reading words from hymnal to screen – yes! Much has changed in the service but worship is still and always has been well, worship! So…how do we know if we are truly worshiping?
The Psalms have much to say about worship. Psalm 100 simply says how and why we worship. How? With glad hearts, joyful singing, thanks, and praise. Why? Because He is God, He is good and His love is everlasting. Psalm 103 also tells us how and why- Bless the Lord O my soul: and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all His benefits.
Worship helps us remember, but I must admit many times I forget.
I forget that when I step into the sanctuary I am in a Holy place; a place set apart for God and His presence. I forget that lights and sound are luxuries and that God doesn’t need a microphone to hear me. I forget that I am worshipping with God’s beloved people, His prized possessions and that everyone around me is beautiful in His sight. I forget that God doesn’t have a favorite instrument, style of music or preference and that He is the director and creator of all that is lovely and harmonious. Yes, sadly I forget…and then something happens. The music plays and a song begins to rise up inside of me…“Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not all His benefits”! My soul is awakened through a melody as I remember His love endures forever. My hands are lifted as I recall how great thou art. My voice joins with those around me as we sing what a beautiful name Jesus is. And I hear His voice calling me saying lay down your burden, lay down your shame, all who are broken, lift up His name. And I’m back…back to gratitude, back to grace. Back to… worship. Yes, worship is remembering and then responding. Remembering all that He is, responding to everything He has done, and many times when we forget, worship brings us back to Him.
-Wendy Huizinga, Music and Worship Director
