The Heart of Worship

I remember the first time I walked into a church as an adult by choice. I had been to churches that sing hymns before and I was expecting that, and was pleasantly surprised by a guitar, bass and set of drums.

The church where I gave my life to Christ was more like a Christian pop experience than a traditional organ and high pitched singing. I was moved by many of the words, but I thought it was so incredibly awkward to stand there while people sang, some with arms in the air and tears in their eyes.

For the first few months of my church going experience this continued to be the norm for me. I was there to hear the sermons and learn as much as possible, I could do without the singing.

Until it moved me.

Somewhere along the way I fell so deeply in love with Jesus that I couldn’t imagine not getting to worship him. I do it on my own often, but there is something different about corporate worship. Something different about hearing a multitude of other’s singing worship and praises too.

I had a professor recently tell me “put your body into worship and your heart will follow.” I tested him out by putting my hands up and closing my eyes when I was having a challenging morning and really didn’t feel up to worshiping. He was right. My heart caught up and remembered the purpose for my worship and adoration: My Jesus.

I was particularly moved this past Sunday, perhaps you could say touched by the Spirit Himself. The song “Who You Say I Am” was playing, and that always moves me to my core.

“Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am”*

I am declaring the truths of these words, arms lifted high to the heavens, tears of gratitude filling my eyes. I am a child of God. I am chosen. I am loved. God has a place for me where I am welcome. These lyrics are the opposite of most radio lyrics that often bring feelings of discontentment.

I hear the voices of my church family declaring the same truths. I intentionally paid attention to all the unique voices around me, people who’s stories I know. Some with deep pain, and others in a season of rejoicing. Together, all of us are united in our love for our Saviour.

This feeling,…this indescribable feeling, this is heaven on earth. Or at least a foretaste. Suddenly in my worship experience I am drawn away from my body and I visualize us all worshiping in heaven, together. Except in heaven there will be no pain, and our worship will be focused entirely on gratitude and love.

The book of Revelation presents many visuals of angels worshipping God in heaven, in the throne room where God Himself dwells. These verses come to mind and I realize in our corporate worship setting, angels are among us also worshiping alongside us.

This is the heart of worship. Singing praises and adoration to the King of Kings in a sea of voices of my own brothers and sisters in Christ, with angels among us. I don’t know that I’ve ever experience a more gratifying moment to visualize the beauty of what will be my eternity.

I am so thankful. I can’t wait for the real deal someday.

*Lyrics to “Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong. Link to music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKw6uqtGFfo

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