I don’t know what your Sundays are like, but for my husband and me, Sundays are a busy work day. I say that with a heart full of thanksgiving because the work that I’m speaking of is unto the Lord. If you’re involved in an area of ministry in your church, as my husband and I are, then you understand what I’m saying. Sundays are a work day. There’s no sleeping in or enjoying a late breakfast together. We have no idea what Sunday brunch is. There’s no sitting on the patio and sipping coffee. It’s more like, swallowing a bite of toast as you run out the door, hoping you remembered to grab everything you need.
Because I have so much to think about on Sunday mornings, I tend to get into task mode to get it all done. Recently I had been asking the Lord to help me truly focus on worshiping Him during the worship time and not so much on all I have to be thinking about; things like making sure the band, singers and orchestra are all together, that everyone is singing the right parts, that the sound is good, remembering the chord progressions of each song and transitions from one song to another, etc.
One particular Sunday as I ran out the door in a mad rush I whispered that prayer again, asking Him to meet me in the worship time. I rehearsed with the worship team and soon the worship service began. We sang a couple of songs and with each one I tried to worship with my heart and my mind – staying focused on the words I was singing, and singing them from my heart.
About the time we reached the third song in our set the Holy Spirit spoke right into my heart and mind and simply said, “Focus on Jesus”. Plain and simple, this wasn’t a complicated thought. He just wanted to me to focus on Jesus instead of focusing on worshiping Him. You see, the truth is, the moment we focus our hearts and minds on Jesus we can’t help but worship Him. The moment we begin to look into His holiness and gaze at His loveliness everything else will fade into the background and we will be able to truly worship.
As I sang, I thanked the Lord in my heart for such a simple sweet reminder. It wasn’t a harsh correction or even conviction that I felt. God knows that I have responsibilities during the worship services and I have things I have to think about. He didn’t say forget that stuff. He just spoke into my heart – look at Jesus. And that’s just what I did. The worship was sweet and He met me and ministered to my heart as I focused on Jesus.
Make the most of your journey!
Molly
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great reminder! As music pastors and worship leaders, we know the need of focusing on Jesus even while “preparing” for the moments we are actually leading the congregation into the presence of the Lord through our praise and worship music. Far too often we have little things that can get us out of focus due to our lack of preparation – i.e., getting to bed on Saturday night too late, forgetting to get gas in the car before heading out on the 25 minute drive to the church on Sunday morning, etc. And, once arriving at the church finding that the various music teams who used the facility before us left the platform in disarray – and some of your own music team members who aren’t quite as focused as they should be either… arriving late – sounding tired and lacking energy – - – oh yeah… we know about the need of focusing on JESUS before and during worship! In a church of around 1500 people on a Sunday morning you have to stay FOCUSED! Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks Molly! I thought this testimony was mine alone. Many times my Sunday mornings feel like a work day, only more demanding. So many things to do to make sure the praise team, choir and musicians are in place and ready. But in the end, it’s all about Jesus and that makes it all worth it! Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you so much for your comments. It’s good to know that there are others out there that can relate and that mine isn’t the only crazy schedule on Sunday mornings. Keep up the good work as unto the Lord and let’s continue to encourage one another to serve the Lord Jesus whole-heartedly!
Yes… The days are filled with so many tasks and preparations.
Recently , while i was in a flap of obligations, a dear friend of mine, prompted me to examine what i was doing, as opposed to what God required of me. Yes, i need to arrange and execute musical interludes for the service, but we are to serve the Lord without it being burdonsome. This is why the Sabbath rest was given to us. To have the time of reflection. Of reproof. ‘Hearing’ of God’s leading and Direction and most of all…. Rest. How can we face a busy week, hot on the heals of a flat out sunday. We have claimed the benefits of the weekly sabbath to ‘Rest’ in the Lord. From sundown friday to sundown saturday( which is the seventh day) we down tools and retreat to be with the Lord. What an amazing blessing has followed. No longer do we rush into the Sunday breathless, tired and stressed. Now. …. Peace reigns ! Praise God for His wisdom , knowing full well what His creation needs. The gift of ‘Time Out’ with Him,…. Just like the very first day of Adam and Eve’s life,… was Sabbath…… solely with God.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Wise words!