Most people have never seen me when I'm home alone. If they did, they might think I was a little unusual. When Renee is out and I'm by myself, the whole house becomes my sanctuary. I sing to the Lord with all my heart. Now, let me assure you, I don't have a great singing voice. In fact, if anyone besides the Lord heard me, they might politely suggest I keep my day job! That's why my concerts are usually limited to my car or an empty house. But I've discovered something over the years: God isn't looking for perfect pitch. He's looking for a grateful heart.
Have you ever looked over at someone in the next car who was singing at the top of their lungs? Maybe they were smiling, tapping the steering wheel, and completely unaware that anyone was watching. It always makes me smile. I love seeing people who are uninhibited about something good. Even more, I believe God delights when His children become uninhibited in expressing their love for Him.
Worship was never meant to be confined to Sunday morning. It's meant to become part of our everyday walk with God. The apostle Paul wrote, "Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and make music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:19-20, NLT). Notice where the song is directed. It isn't performed for people. It's offered to the Lord.
King David understood this well. Many of the Psalms began with David pouring out his fears, disappointments, or questions. Yet somewhere along the way his focus shifted. As he remembered God's faithfulness, discouragement gave way to confidence, and sorrow turned into praise. His circumstances didn't always change immediately, but his heart did. Worship has a wonderful way of lifting our eyes from our problems to the greatness of God.
Years ago I began making up simple songs of thanksgiving as I worshiped. I wasn't trying to become a songwriter, and I certainly wasn't hoping anyone else would hear them. In fact, having an audience would probably distract me. Those quiet moments became conversations with the Lord. Over time I discovered that while I was expressing my love for Him, He was gently shaping my heart. Worry became trust. Anxiety gave way to peace. Gratitude crowded out discouragement.
Music is one of God's beautiful gifts. It has an amazing ability to reach our hearts and stir our emotions. That's one reason I'm careful about the music I regularly listen to. What continually fills our minds eventually influences our attitudes. I've found that worship music helps quiet the noise of life and turns my attention back to the One who is always worthy of my praise.
I've found something else to be true over the years. The more you listen to worship music and sing to the Lord, the more those songs begin to live in your heart. They seem to rise up at just the right moments—while you're driving, working in the yard, taking a walk, or lying awake at night. They gently turn your thoughts back to the Lord, reminding you of His goodness, His promises, and His faithfulness. Worship has a way of guarding your heart and keeping your mind in a beautiful place because it continually lifts your eyes back to Jesus. I believe that's exactly how God intended it to work.
If this isn't yet part of your walk with the Lord, why not begin today? Put on some worship music that lifts your heart and sing along. Then, as you grow more comfortable, begin thanking the Lord in your own words. Don't worry about how you sound. Remember, you're not auditioning for people. You're simply expressing your love to your heavenly Father. You may be surprised how naturally worship begins to flow.
One day all of God's children will gather around His throne and worship the King of Glory forever. Until then, every quiet song sung from a sincere heart is a small foretaste of eternity. The beautiful thing is that while your worship blesses the Lord, He uses it to strengthen, encourage, and transform you.
Psalm 89:1 (NLT): "I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a song to sing. Teach me to worship You not only in church, but throughout each day. Help me to lift my heart above life's distractions and focus on Your goodness and faithfulness. Fill my mind with gratitude, my mouth with praise, and my heart with a deeper love for You. May my worship always be sincere and pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' name, Amen.
