There is a particular park in the city of Targu Mures that Team Rise Up has visited more than once. In fact, we’ve been there several times with the specific purpose of praying for the territory and declaring that it belongs to Christ. Many Romanian and Hungarian citizens come to this park for different reasons – anything from holding occult meetings to simply enjoying a picnic lunch. Whatever the reason, we want to help usher in the presence and peace of God in that place.
A few days ago we were there with a guitar to sing some praise songs. My attempts at singing were weak and well, truthfully, quite pitiful. We were singing “How Great is Our God” but my voice was so small and insignificant. The Lord really convicted me and I thought, “God, I know they don’t understand the words I’m singing, but would they really know that you’re great? Would they see that you are the Life? Does my praise show how lovely you really are?” The answer to all of these questions was a big, “NO." I serve the God of the universe and my “praise” to Him is a few mumbled words, which are barely audible to the person next to me?
What I heard next freaked me out a bit. The Lord said, “Well, what are you going to do about it? Declare my glory. Tell them who I AM and what I’ve done. Sing it out in boldness.” To which I responded: “Me? You know I love to sing to You when I’m alone or when the music’s so loud that I can’t hear it, but here? Now? Without music?” The answer was a strong, resounding, "Yes." I already knew the song I was supposed to sing, even before I’d begun arguing with my Lord.
I knew I wanted to sing but still needed some encouragement. Jill knew the song as well but she was engaged in a conversation with someone on the park bench. I looked to my teammate Sarah and told her that I needed to sing for the Lord. She just smiled and totally backed me up. I went through a few of the words for her and took a deep breath…
Shout unto God with a voice of triumph
Shout unto God with a voice of praise
Shout unto God with a voice of triumph
We lift your Name up, We lift your Name up
Cause the enemy has been defeated
Death couldn’t hold you down
We’re gonna lift our voice in victory
We’re gonna make your praises loud
I just kept singing. Loudly. With a voice of triumph and praise. Because I know who my God is and that He’s worthy of my praise. My eyes were closed and everything else faded away. There were a few times that my throat tried to close up on me because of nerves, but He kept me steady. It was so fantastic and I just kept smiling.
Afterward, Jill told me that she didn’t know where the song was coming from at first. She was facing the other direction but she knew that it sounded like freedom. Christ wants to bring freedom for us all. Sometimes it looks terrifying to step out in faith but he is good and he is worthy. Following him will never disappoint. Following him is the only way to truly be satisfied and free.
Later in the week I decided to play a song on the guitar at church. Frank played along with me and Jill helped to sing. Still, I was excited to play and bring praise to the Lord. I’m really beginning to see what it means to let go of the worries and fears of what I sound like or how I appear to others. My praise is for my Father and when I sing to Him it pleases his heart. Not only that, but it brings freedom and joy for me as well. I know this is only the beginning of a long process, but it’s a good start of what I expect to be an awesome journey.
