Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Unpretentious Worship


Have you ever been in a gathering where you notice people who genuinely worship, unrestricted by others around them? What a joy!

This Resurrection Sunday, we were worshipping Jesus who had publicly poured out His love for us on the cross. We were celebrating the power of the empty tomb.

I had the privilege of sitting behind Philip. Occasionally, I'd glimpse his face: eyes closed yet focused, expression peaceful but passionate. Tall and slim, this young man's unpretentious worship fanned the fire in my own heart. Unconcerned with people around him, it was as if just he and the Lord were in the sanctuary.

So I chose to be outwardly expressive also. It was appropriate, and he had led the way into the holy place.

When I observe a fellow pilgrim worship from that deep inner place, pouring out adoration like precious perfume, the fragrance of Christ fills my own heart. Then the fragrance spreads to others, and Christ becomes visible beyond our worship style, the length of our arms, or the color of our necks.

I dare not look long at those worshippers, because I seem to be intruding on their holy space. But beyond that, my own heart longs to join in the adoration so due our Lord.

Doesn't yours?

For Your Consideration

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15, NIV)


Are you able to abandon others opinions of you and publicly express honor and love to Christ who poured out His love for you? If not, what keeps you hostage?

How clean and lovely is the fragrance God spreads through you?

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I love watching people worship like that. I wish I felt free enough to let myself be comsumed by my own feelings of gratitude and joy during worship. Little by little it gets easier.

Paula Gast said...

You're right: little by little.

When I first started being expressive in worship I found my biggest obstacle was fear of what other people thought of me, so I had to ask the Lord to help me work through it.

CeeGee said...

Paula,
Sometimes when I am singing to God in front of people I become outside of myself and really feel as though God is abiding in me like I am abiding in Him. It's lovely.

Paula Gast said...

Wow. That IS lovely! There's nothing like when you sense that intimate connection with God's presence.