WORSHIP THOUGHTS

03/06/06 - Encourage ourselves

Last week we looked at the fact that I need to tell myself. I want to continue on that same thought and vein this week. It is vital that we encourage ourselves. Early last week I was speaking to the School of Worship students about these very things and encouraging them to make this a practice of their lives.

In the church today we have songs that tell you to lift your hands, to dance, to kneel etc., and worship leaders the world over use them to get a response from their congregation. I do not want to be critical of the songs, but I want us to realize that Christ has made his people free. Free to lift hands, dance, or kneel whenever we want to, or not to do any of the above.

In Ephesians 5 v 19 ……… after being filled daily with the Spirit, we are encouraged to speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The heart of this again is to help us to help ourselves. So many people are quiet and yet within them there is a song waiting to be released. Psalm 107 v 2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” I believe that we are getting some convincing proof that this practice of telling ourselves and encouraging ourselves is good for us and will cause a greater response in us as we practice it. David spoke to his soul and commanded it to praise the Lord. Why should it be any different for us?

So many congregations wait for a song before they begin to praise and give God thanks. But surely, we don’t need to wait. We have a song within us, a thankful heart and a desire to honour God. SO, what is stopping us? Have a week of telling yourself, encouraging yourself to give praise, to say thank you, to be all that God wants you to be. Then stand back and see the difference! And I believe there will be.

David