When my squad does worship together, it’s trying for me. I’ll be honest and say I don’t feel like I am worshiping God because the songs we sing are so unknown to me. My mind tries to memorize the lyrics instead of giving my all and meditating on His goodness. I feel like I’ll learn them soon, however, presently, it’s difficult for me to mean the things I’m singing… and I love to sing and hum (although the talent may not be there, haha!)! It seems like during worship, everyone is so in tune with God and I don’t want to be the only one not hearing from Him. I couldn’t wait until I was able to worship God corporately with my whole heart. Then one night, we did worship a little different.
One of my squad leaders, Beka, led our worship. We worshipped God in a way I’d never practiced before. She wanted us to use our vivid imaginations. God gave us those for a reason, right? She told us to get in a comfortable position while she played a couple of songs on her iPod softly. She asked us questions and narrated our worship journey.
“Go to a place you’d enjoy being. You see a man walking up to you. You realize that man is Jesus. What do you do? What does He say to you? What are some questions you have for Him? Ask Him.”
Now this, I could do.
I’ll tell you where my mind took me. I was in Europe on cobblestone roads looking at the beautiful architecture of buildings when Jesus started walking toward me. I don’t remember what He looked like, but I do remember running up to him like I knew Him but hadn’t seen Him in a while. He was happy to see me, too. I then invited Him to a coffee shop so we could sit and chat. I asked Him how I could be more like Him. I wanted Him to walk with and teach me how to be a true disciple. I was very persistent about Him coming with me because I felt like I have a lot to learn from Him. But He gave me that look only a parent gives to his or her child. You know, that sly smile. Then he said, “Belle, I am ALWAYS with you. Keep doing what you are doing.” Then He kissed me on my forehead and walked away. I remember feeling as though He was still there even when He left. At that moment, a light bulb went off for me. He really does lives within me. He is always present.
That worship practice was something I could do more often. Just sit and spend time with God?! Where do I sign up?! I realize I don’t need an iPod, a huge choir with a soulful gospel singer, or even an organ or guitar playing. God doesn’t want a performance. He just wants true worship.
I encourage you to change up your worship style today. During worship, let your imagination take you somewhere with Jesus. Where are you? What are you asking Him? Is He telling you to just sit with Him? Is He asking you to do something? Listen to Him. Adore Him. Thank Him. God gave us so much- our minds, our hearts, our imaginations, our voices, our eyes, our limbs. He paid it all and He deserves it ALL. I don’t want to limit my worship experiences with Him. I hope you don’t either. 🙂
XOXO,
Belle
