A fresh sound

Lately I hear a fresh sound of worship in church. It's been a while since I heard our church sing like that. It's something I can't quite put my finger on. It sounds like the cry of a people who have come alive in God. It sounds like the cry of a people who have perhaps, remembered that they also have something to die for. It also sounds like the cry of a people who suddenly realised that following Jesus comes with a price.

Today I heard a wise man say, "Persecution sometimes makes the church come alive." Is that what's happening to us? I scarcely think what we're going through is considered "persecution", but then again, it's probably the closest we've gotten to it so far. I think what it awakens in us is the awareness that it's not just what we're willing to live for, but what we're willing to die for.

The safest place we can be is in a place where God is firmly established as sovereign and loving. I think that's why expressing our worship is so important. When we worship, we are focusing on God, on who He is, what He's done and what He will do. We exalt and lift up Jesus, declaring that He is King, Lord and Master. Then we come to a place where our souls and spirits suddenly gasp, "God is here! We are safe! Don't be afraid!", and we heave a sigh of relief and peace.

The events of the past month have driven many people to this place. Even though there is division in certain quarters, I sense in my spirit a surge towards God. Perhaps people are searching for answers, for truth, for peace, for vindication, or just for common sense. Whatever it is, people are looking for God. It doesn't matter which perspective we're looking from. I think what matters most is what we're looking AT. God alone unites. He is the ultimate epitome of unity in His Trinity. In our differences, when we fix our eyes upon beautiful Jesus Christ, every tongue, tribe, nation and people will be united in Him.

So that's why I'm excited with the fresh sound of worship I'm hearing in church lately. No matter what the enemy is doing, whenever his schemes drive people to Jesus, he has failed. For me, there's nothing more rewarding and safe than the presence of God, and worship is the pathway to that presence. Oh may we learn that God! May we always desire to get in Your presence and stay there!

I yearn for a deeper stirring of our spirits. I yearn for increased hunger in our church for truth, for grace, for power and for love. May this truth be established - Emmanuel, God with us.

Father God, stir our hearts in ways that only You can.
Don't let us grow cold
Let the flame of Your Spirit fan the fire in our souls
For truth and justice, grace and mercy.

Father God, we worship You
In our differences, unite us as we look to You
In our weakness, strengthen us as we look to You
God You are with us!