GodReflection: Is Worship for God or for Me?
He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises” (Hebrews 2:12).

It is hard to overstate the impact music has on my gift of worship. Several suitcases filled with my past color my effort to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. [To] Sing and make music from [my] heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

Let me be clear. Today’s post is not an attempt to stand in judgement of any person or body of believers. I’m not in search of anyone’s agreement with any observations I may make.

Today’s post is an attempt to examine how I can present to God my gift to sing to Him with my heart.

I was born into an a capella church. I value my heritage. Most likely my church tribe has spent far too much effort in condemnation of those who have chosen to use instruments as they worship The Almighty.

In my view our crew has wrongly argued that the voice rather than the heart is the instrument that connects with our Heavenly Father.

From the a capella tradition we focused on hymns during my formative years. In four-part harmony we sang hymns from the Psalms, and from hundreds of writers and composers over a span of six centuries.

From those hymns I prayed, praised, was taught scripture, and life lessons as I received motivation and encouragement.

The a capella hymnology colored my soul and my heart. My life luggage is packed with rich hymns.

Here I am in my sunset years caught between the hymns that sing to my heart so I can sing to my Father and the newer generations who feel the exact same way about a body of music with different content and style that allows them to connect hearts with Creator God.

So, if worship is for God AND for me how do I sing in a manner that pleases Father and Son AND provides an avenue for their Holy Spirits to speak to me through song?

I refer back to the thesis of this blog series. When I bring my gift of song from my heart, He will not allow me to leave the throne room empty-handed. He feeds my soul with His approval.

Certainly, I do not want to be a roadblock for any believer whose suitcases are not loaded with six centuries of hymns. So, how can this work?

Here is what I think.

I want to praise God and I want my soul fed with His approval. I also want multi-millions of others across the face of the world to praise God and receive His approval.

So, here’s my approach as I move toward the finish line.

For my own soul I’ve loaded my car sound system with over two-hundred hymns. Anytime I am in route I can sing with God and the church of the ages through hymns as I pray, praise, hear scripture, and receive encouragement.

On Sundays I join with the church in heart-song and receive His smile of approval.

Should a hymn be led my soul leaps in anticipation.

When the words of a “new worship song” ring out in their repeated cadence I want to be thankful others connect with the Holy, even though the words may not move my heart they may be the exact words that allow another worshiper to unite with The Holy.

Let’s extend grace to each other that we all might give praise and receive power as we worship with our hearts connected to The Holy and to each other. When we do so, I suspect more of us will leave worship with nourished souls feeling the smile of Godly approval. What do you think? Is it possible?

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells
A GodReflection: I Sing to Him with My Heart – His Approval Feeds my Soul

Gary@Godreflection.org
http://www.GodReflection.org
http://www.MakeYourVisionGoViral.com