by Jason Yarbrough
From the very first time I really experienced God in worship, I found the energy and passion amazing and refreshing. There was an enthusiasm that was almost contagious.
It seems there's just something about worship that eases the mind and soothes the soul. Why? We were designed for intimacy, fashioned for a relationship with our Creator. And though time spent in His presence can be wonderful, the Lord wants to draw us further, deeper into an understanding of worship.
Recently, the Lord reminded me of the story of Abraham; specifically, the birth of his son, Isaac. After many years of waiting, Abraham saw the fulfillment of a long awaited promise. Can you imagine the party? The celebration must have been incredible! Abraham was, after all, extremely wealthy, and I'm sure he spared no expense on this special occasion. They praised God for the fulfillment of His word, rejoicing in His goodness. And it was appropriate, but I find it's often much easier to "worship" when there's reason to celebrate. It's much more difficult to sing His praises when the chips are down. Deep worship comes from the secret place of sacrifice.
Consider again Abraham. After a few years of celebration, God says, "Take your son, whom you love, and offer him as a burnt sacrifice to Me." Party over. You can almost hear the screeching of the record needle as it scratches across the turntable. "Excuse me, God, but would you mind saying that again?" Abraham's response is one of the most amazing moments in Scripture. For those of you with sons, would you even stop to consider this request? Yet, he dutifully begins to make preparation for the difficult journey.
Worship is a journey; its trail often marked by the tears of desperate hearts. After two days of the longest trip in history, Abraham breaks the silence by addressing two of his servants. "Stay here while the boy and I climb the mountain to worship." Really? Is offering that which you hold closest to your heart the true meaning of worship?
In that quiet moment just before Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, in the stillness of that brief instant, he heard the voice of the Lord. Abraham wasn't dancing. He wasn't celebrating. There wasn't a "fatted calf" in sight. Sometimes answers come in the silence; in moments of quiet reverance. Abraham heard the sound of a ram caught in a thicket and knew the Lord has "heard" his worship. Sometimes we just need to "be still" and know He is God. So the next time you celebrate His goodness, remember to also spend some time worshipping in "quietness". You just might hear your answer while you're waiting.