Strength for the Week - Lost in Song

Lost in Song
I remarked in a sermon recently that the human emotional state is so fragile that it is affected by the weather (it’s a nice day today, so most of you all are probably in pretty good moods like I am).  Last night, during the Casting Crowns concert, lead singer Mark Hall commented similarly.  He warned that if we live by our emotions by basing our decisions on them, we are going to get ourselves into trouble.  But He also acknowledged the joy of riding the emotional high that can come along with hearing good music, which a few thousand people were sharing with him throughout the night.  But there were some that looked as if they were not…
          Sitting in the back row, I had an opportunity to look over the crowd.  There were so many that were really into the music.  Then there were some that were REALLY into the music (including my wife and me).  And then there were some that were not so into it.
          You know the kind of guy I’m talking about, right?  You’ve seen him on Sunday morning.  While the praise band is finishing up the bridge of a powerful song and building up to that final, God praising chorus, while 99% of the congregation is singing their hearts out, and while there are many with raised hands, some looking up to God, others with their eyes closed tight, and others still with tear filled eyes – this guy has his arms crossed and is looking down at the ground.  The band may as well be singing a song about the joys of peeling potatoes if the look on his face is any indication.
          Well, I think that’s okay.  There is a freedom that comes with worshipping the Lord in song.  It is a free-will offering.  Nobody has to raise their hands, sing along, or even smile.  They can enjoy the music without moving a muscle.  But I think that they are missing an experience that is unique to Christian worship.
          You see, music as worship is different than listening to music.  Music as worship is different than going to a concert to see a performance.  Music as worship is about worshipping God (I guess that is why it’s called worship music…).  Music as worship is experiencing God through the music and your participation in it.  Music as worship is about losing yourself in the emotional high that only music can offer and devoting it to God.  Music as worship is not caring if I look like an idiot as I raise my hands, clap out of rhythm, and mess up the words, because I am doing it for God.
          I encourage you: take some time this week to listen to your favorite Christian artist.  Not in the car on your way to work or in the background while you cook, but when you have time to sit and listen.  Sing the words to God.  Hear how most of the lyrics (probably) come straight from the Bible.    Pray while you listen and let the words and music guide your prayer.  Spend time listening, just you and God.
          Yes, it is dangerous to let your emotions guide your life, but there is nothing wrong with enjoying them.  God can use them to lead you, especially in worshipping Him.

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