2 Corinthians 1:3-7 are verses that have been like a mission statement for me. This passage talks about the God of all comfort. In our suffering we receive comfort and so we in turn can offer this comfort and encouragement to others who are experiencing pain - what a privilege! One channel through which we can offer comfort and encouragement is through worship (in song). Worship in a corporate setting is primarily to bring praise to God but also to edify the church. There is an amazing mystery in the fact that as we gather together and worship God we experience a sense of God's presence which helps us place our pain in perspective and hopefully reminds us that we have a God who knows every ounce of what is going on in our hearts.
On Sunday, after hearing some painful news I found myself frustrated and unsettled. I wanted to connect with God because it felt like that might be the only safe place I could find. My initial thoughts were to sit in my room and listen to a few worship songs that have been very helpful to me in my own pain and then just sit at the piano and sing whatever came to me. This is my way of connecting and communicating something of my pain to God. I couldn't find the exact words I needed but singing simple words of praise to God seemed to release a little of the hurt and frustration I was experiencing. From time to time I am confident that when we worship there are things happening in the spiritual realms that we cannot see or begin to comprehend. I can't say this is a fact but for now I would like to believe it. Worship seems to have changed things in my own life so I want to believe that this can still happen and that God will change things for others as I worship.
What we do in 'worship' must be really important! We need to facilitate people who need comfort and some kind of expression to release the pain they are feeling inside. Writing honest, genuine words (true to our experience) and painting these with the perfect melody, chords and sounds will bring healing, release, life, joy, peace, comfort...........
4 comments:
Great post Claire. It's great that a space can be provided to reflect on these issues.
Yes Claire you and King David too. He wrote from his pain and gave God the pain he carried in his heart. He soothed Saul with his guitar(!!) playing..... and doesn't He 'quiet us with his love sing over us His songs'(Zeph 3vs 17)The best place to go to when we are struggling, confused, or hurting is worship. Keep running to Him he loves to listen to all your heart
Thanks Pete. It was great to be reminded of those verses which are so often used but really become real when we consider them a little more in context. They are a strength and encouragement at times like this. Another nudge to keep going because what we are doing is powerful.
(Why is it that all you boys replace David's harp with a guitar??????????)
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