Vulnerability Before God

For decades I have led worship for groups large and small. There have been times where I’ve seen God pour out His presence, even to the point where I could no longer sing. And then there have been other times where it felt like I was just going through the motions. Not engaging with the Lord but simply leading a few songs.

Usually, I’ve found at the core of my uninspired worship is an unwillingness on my part to be vulnerable, not only before God, but others as well. It’s during those times when my mind will often wander. I can be thinking more about the musical arrangements than I can about the Savior I am singing to.

That being said, I have found it to be much easier to be vulnerable before God and others, when I am the one leading worship. Where I have struggled the most in my personal worship is when I am in the audience as a participant. It’s in those situations where I find myself thinking more about my surroundings. I can act more “reserved” based on who’s around me, or complain about having to stand too long. I can focus on the song choices or be thinking about the pot roast I’m going to be eating once the service is over.

So, what’s the answer? Cultivate my OWN heart of worship. From me to God. I must not just be a spectator and rely on someone else to worship FOR me. I must take responsibility to be vulnerable before God on my own. For I am convinced if my eyes are on Jesus, I will be less concerned about my surroundings, and much more focused on Him.

"God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24