For what it’s worth, I have a real sensitive “truth-o-meter.” It irritates me when we say they things we don’t really mean. Sometimes it’s intentional, but often it’s not. We just say things we don’t mean because we don’t really think about what we’re saying. Like when someone asks me, “How are you doing?” and I say, “Fine” out of habit even when I’m not.
As a Christian, when I worship God through song, I want it to be authentic. I want the words and music to be an expression of what I really believe, think, and feel.
It’s really starting to gnaw on me when I sing things I know are obviously not true.
For example, Sunday, while singing a song that begins “We stand and lift up our hands,” I noticed I did not have my hands in the air. Actually nobody in the building did. The song continues, “We bow down and worship Him now” and again I was definitely not on my knees.
This has bothered me for years, but I’ve just kind of moved on and not said anything about it.
Have you ever felt disingenuous when singing things like this to God? Or am I just a freak?
Paul —
Absolutley! I feel we sing songs as lip service, or to make music, but not out of our hearts — sometimes. But when you really want to give God all the attention and all the honor and praise — doing what you’re saying is easy. But we worry sometimes about those around us — and all of sudden we do what we don’t want to do. We stand still, contain our adoration or our excitement and ignore that joy in us that wants to lift our hands or get on our knees. But — if we did it (especially the leaders) it would offer up a freedom for others to do the same. But someone has to be the catalyst and do it! Because it’s in us to do — God put it there- a heart of worship, but fear has a way of getting the best of us. So go for it Paul — Worship with your hands lifted! Get on your knees — It’s a vertical relationship between you and God — and a horizonital opportunity to show freedom to worship to those around you 🙂
Paul,
Our Pastor of Worship is always reminding us that it doesn’t matter what we sing if our face doesn’t show that we believe it. Some people are not comfortable raising, clapping and many other outward expressions for many reason. Usually it is because of what they have seen or been taught. I for one have a hard time hiding what I feel in my heart when I sing. I tell the people in the choir to just listen to the words, the message and the face will have to light up even if their hand can’t express themselves. I think God is more concerned about the expression of the heart even though I would like to think He enjoys praise in outward motions as well.
Sherri, thanks for the comment and the encouragement. As you probably know, I’m not all that expressive a person, but I think you’re probably right – as a leader I need to live out the words of the songs because in doing so it gives permission to others to do likewise.
Hi Mary, I think you’re right that God is more concerned about the expressions of the heart.
I don’t think it matters whether a person worships with hands raised or on their knees or just sitting quietly in a chair. But it’s just a little weird to me to sing about raising my hands, kneeling, or dancing when I’m not. I feel like I either need to be doing those things or shut my mouth when those lyrics are in songs.
There is no doubt that God’s main concern is our heart and it’s motivations. But if perfect Love really does cast out fear — and we have a burning desire for the Lord to be outwardly expressive — we should lift hands, stand, pray out loud — never quenching the spirit. I would say though Paul that the intent of the lyric was just to say that we give an outward praise (in whatever form you feel lead to give) sitting, standing, kneeling, praying, crying, singing, hands held high, clapping– WHATEVER!! But because — THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH! So when you say those words whatever expression you feel to give to God at that moment, whatever comes from your heart he loves it! That sweet aroma. Don’t ever shut your mouth when given the oppurtunity to praise him!Even if all you outwardly show is a smile. God judges the condition of our hearts and even we have hard time judging our own hearts. Worship in whatever it’s form is awesome and it’s just a good place to start to get to know your Daddy.
I feel the same incongruence sometimes. I dunno a good answer for this, but I just wanted to let you know you are not alone. 🙂