My Heart of Worship

When the music fades, And all is stripped away And I simply come

Longing just to bring Something that’s of worth That will bless your heart.

I’ll bring you more than a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within Through the ways things appear You’re looking into my heart.

I’m coming back to the heart of worship And it’s all about You All about You, Jesus

I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it When it’s all about You It’s all about You Jesus.

 

Have you heard the story behind The Heart of Worship?  I encourage you to take time to read it and imagine yourself as a member of the Soul Survivor church in Watford, England.  What would you do if there were no music in your church services?  If your pastor told you that something has been missing from worship – and it’s your heart? 

I remember several years ago a former worship leader asked this question:  What would happen if we actually lived out the words we sing at church on Sundays?  Only trust Him, Only trust Him, He can save you now, And He will surely give you rest by trusting in Him now.  Or how about Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. 

For many years now, the ‘debate’ has been growing about singing hymns in church versus singing contemporary worship songs.  Some people think hymns are the ‘only’ music that is appropriate to worship God.  Others want more contemporary music to relate to their life in today’s society.  My stance on hymns versus contemporary music is this … it really does not matter if you sing a hymn or if you sing a contemporary song.  I do not believe God has a preference to which style of music you sing to Him.  What He is concerned about is our heart attitude.

Let me make a clear statement – I love hymns and I love contemporary worship music.  I really do not have a ‘preference’ as to which style I sing.  I do not think there is a more beautiful image of God than in Amazing Grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see.  Or in Just As I Am without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me And that thou bidst me come to thee O Lamb of God, I come, I come.  

But how much thankful for the gift of salvation than This is my offering dear Lord, this is my offering to You God, I will give You my life for it’s all I have to give because You gave Your life for me.  Or to anticipate His Coming For His returning we watch and we pray We will be ready the dawn of that day We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed ‘Cause Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King.

Each song is so meaningful in its own message.  I cry every time I hear them.  I would quickly run out of space in this post if I copied the lyrics to all of them.  But you know something, if my heart isn’t in the right place, even these most beautiful lyrics will be worthless.  I can sing to the top of my lungs, close my eyes, lift my hands … but if my heart isn’t right with God, the words coming from my mouth are for nothing.  And it doesn’t matter if it’s a hymn or a contemporary worship song. I may be able to put on a front to others around me … but not to God.  He knows me inside and out … better than I know myself. 

But I still feel like I’m missing something … is there more to worship than just my singing songs to God on Sundays?  I already know the answer, but that’s for another post. 

God is not interested in my lip-service ... He's interested in my heart-service.