When it comes to
expressing our faith, our conservative side tends to emerge, especially if we
are in the presence of traditionalists. What would they think of me if I were
to sing loudly or raise my arms? How would I be received if I sat when everyone
else was standing, or stood when the rest of the crowd sat with their heads
bowed? We typically conform to the masses.
I remember
feeling extremely uncomfortable when I began attending a non-traditional
service. I kept waiting for the pastor to indicate it was time to kneel, but
there were no kneelers. I patiently observed in expectation, for the entire
congregation to recite a ritualistic prayer, in unison, but it never happened.
I even sat on the edge of my seat kind of hoping for a familiar ringing of
bells or bringing up of the gifts. I sat back in my place wondering how God
felt about this approach to worship. It was quite different from what I was
accustom to. I wasn’t even sure how I felt about it, but I was drawn back again
and again.
Some Sundays were
rather low key in regards to the music and the intensity of the message from
the Pastor, and others were overwhelming in varying ways. Sometimes I felt like
God was speaking directly to me and I could barely contain my joy, other times
my pain and sorrow were drawn from me like a magnet attracts metal. I never knew
quite what to expect from week to week, and though I was often outside of my
comfort zone, in my heart knew I was in the right place.
This weekly
church experience truly changed my life. The raw honesty of the messages, and
intensity of the hearts of all I observed serving in many ways was truly
inspiring. This group of church-goers knew something I had not yet learned. It
is not about the routine, nor the expectations of the people or rulers that be.
It is about keeping our hands on the bible, our hearts in the Lord, and our feet
walking and living His will, serving God and serving others.
My prayer today
is that we all “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things…”
His power and majesty are beyond our comprehension. His Grace and mercy are
what sustain us. This glorious world we reside in was created by His mighty
hand. Nothing compares to the promise we have in Him!
Please listen to "Shout to the Lord" by Hillsong
Read/Listen to Psalm 98
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