freedom to worship

I had the opportunity to go to a Newsboys concert last night in Wildwood. We had a great time. The music was loud--my ears are still buzzing. The lady next to me could have been my grandma, but she was rockin out, arms in the air and dancing. They played a couple of their goofier songs, but mostly the songs were Gospel-packed, Christ-centered songs of worship and praise.

The topic of worship has been on my mind a lot lately. This concert was just another tool that God is using to lead me further into Biblical worship. I'll explain that with several observations.

1. Having instruments, energy, and vocal powers doesn't lead to worship.
One of the opening bands, whom I affectionately think of as the Hobo Faeries, were obviously gifted musicians. They could play well, sing well, and jump around the stage with a lot more energy than I could ever muster. All of that did not lead to worship. It was just a show.

2. Listening to another person worship doesn't mean that I am worshiping.
There was another opening band that was actually really good. Their lyrics were solid and God-exalting. But I didn't know the words, and there was a lot going on in the building to distract me. So with the ears I listened to them sing their hearts out, and with the other senses I paid attention to everything else going on in the building.

3. True worship doesn't need instruments, energetic shenanigans, vocal talent, or even other worshipers, because it is a one-on-one vertical exchange between me and God.
I'll be honest. I went there to see the Newsboys. And somehow I spent half the concert with my eyes closed. How did this happen? Well, they started playing "Blessed Be Your Name." You know the song: Blessed be Your name / in the land that is plentiful / where Your streams of abundance flow / blessed be Your name.

They followed that with "He Reigns." It's all God's children singing "Glory, glory! Hallelujah! He reigns! He reigns!

And they followed that with "In the Hands of God." In the hands of God / we stand tall / hands that are mighty to deliver / givin us freedom / You're amazing! You're amazing / You are! / And we praise You / Lord, for what Your hands have done!

There came a point where all distractions had to be shut out. The musicians, while leading the singing with their instruments and voices, had to be visually shut out, lest while my heart worshiped God, my eyes worshiped men. The people around me had to be shut out, lest my worship become a competition to see who is more earnest or emotionally stirred. This kind of worship had nothing to do with the things around me, but everything to do with God the Creator of the heavens and earth and striving to please Him!

Thankfully, at church we don't need to worry about our worship leaders putting on a mere show. But I know my heart, and I know that I can listen to and sing a song while paying attention to every little detail around me. God is so gracious and kind to give me such a wonderful practicum on worship these last several weeks, and to culminate it with the concert I went to last night. It's the difference between knowing something and really getting it so that now it can be applied and practiced.

The last song of the set was the song "I am Free," which is about the freedom we have because of Christ. By the time we got to that song, I really could sing with all my heart, Through You the blind will see / Through You the mute will sing/ Through You the dead will rise / Through You all hearts will praise / Through You the darkness flees / Because of You my heart screams / I am free / I am free / I am free to run / I am free to dance / I am free to live for You / I am free!