The definition of “sense” according to my old, tattered college Webster dictionary:
The ability of the nerves and the brain to receive and react to stimuli, as light, sound, impact, constriction etc….
I want to employ my senses to experience God. I want to touch His face, smell His presence, and hear His whisper. I want to feel His arms wrap around me when I am alone and His breath warm on my neck. I want to see the colors of the sunset or sunrise with eyes created for glory; I want a peek of the living colors of heaven. Is it possible to experience such things? Is it possible to spiritually fly up to the throne while my feet are still in this dust?
To many, these desires of mine seem foolish, impossible, silly. It is biblical. Many men of the Bible knew such experiences. David had encounters with the Living God. He writes in Psalm 63, “I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.” This vision is so tangible to David he writes, “My soul will be satisfied as with the riches of foods.” He speaks of praising God with his lips and his hands. David employed his senses when worshiping the Lord.
I have been known to stretch people a little too far past their comfort zone when teaching on praise and worship. I have read books that give us permission to worship the Lord with no outward demonstration of love (if that is your personality.) I’m all about personality, but I also know what a joy it is to worship my God with the arms and hands and lips, and feet He gave me. I believe He gave them to us to glorify Him.
It’s a new year. Many of us have set our resolutions, and hopefully, all of us have resolved to grow closer to the Lord. If that is one of your goals, then you must spend time every day in worship. I must spend every day in worship.
I once told a friend that I needed to take my vitamins and fish oil everyday. She was the worst (or the best) to constantly hold me accountable to doing so. I have since stopped my good habit, but I know it is good for me, and I must start again. If you will, I would love to share the same accountability with one another this year, not for vitamins and fish oil, but for the very essential habit of worship.
I pray to help you expand and stretch in the worship department. It goes beyond singing in church. 2010 was a very difficult year for many of us yet we continue to worship. May we grow and deepen our faith in 2011 with our hands lifted, our feet dancing, and our lips praising the One who is faithful and who has won the battle.
