The Importance of Worship

I love being part of our worship team at church. I’ve been involved in church music ministry in one way or another since, well, as long as I can remember. Music speaks to my soul in ways that not much else can.

When we lived in Georgia I was not part of a worship team and I missed it immensely. So coming back to Tennessee and jumping back in to help lead worship has been a huge blessing in my life.

I want to lead worship from a place of authenticity. Over the past several years, I’ve learned a lot about being authentic in my faith. When I’m on stage I desperately desire that people see Jesus through me. I want to point them to Him.

Over the past several years, I’ve had a behind the scenes look into the lives of many church leaders. And I’ve seen how those in leadership positions serve and go and do.

But forget to truly worship.

I recently heard an interview with Christian recording artist Mathew West where he mentioned how he often sees himself as a “professional Christian.” He spoke candidly about the ease in which he ministers on stage every night, giving glory to God, but then how he heads home feeling depleted. Ignoring the Holy Spirit. Forgetting to minister to his own family and friends.

I know our pastors and ministers and worship leaders can often feel the same way. With no one pouring into them, they become lifeless.

Hopeless.

Pretenders.

Not on purpose, of course. It’s just the nature of the job. Constantly breathing life into others while barely keeping their own heads above water. Trying to show they have it all together while behind the scenes, they are falling apart.

So, this week I took a break from the worship team.

This week I sat out. And I’m so thankful I did.

I was part of the congregation.

I lifted my hands in worship as we sang about the love of God.

I prayed from my spot while listening to our worship leader talk about things he is struggling with.

I poured out my heart to the Lord when we sang about the beautiful name of Jesus.

Tears streamed down my face as we praised Him for being a Good Father.

And as I sang about how I am loved by Him, those words struck something deep in my soul.

It’s easy for me to forget how much Jesus loves me. In the hustle and bustle of life, I forget that I am a child of the One True God. I forget that I am His creation and that He loves me unconditionally.

But today, during worship, I was reminded of these things.

I was reminded of who I am.

Of whose I am.

Worship reminds us of God’s greatness. His grace. His love. I’m grateful for a church whose leaders are filled with the Holy Spirit. Even when they may be hurting.

I pray that you have a church that sings of the greatness of Jesus. I pray that your pastor and leaders are being filled up with Christ even as they are pouring out to others. And I pray that the Holy Spirit will remind you today that you are His.

I want to encourage you to pray for your church leadership this week. Oftentimes we think they have a relatively easy job but in reality, Satan wants to bring them down. He attacks them and their families because if he can get to them, he can get to us.

Pray for protection for your pastors. Pray that they would be poured into this week.

And I am praying for you, friends. I love you so much! May you feel the love of Jesus today.