Make A Joyful Noise
My favorite part of camp every year is the worship. Every night, around the campfire, we gathered together to worship. Just a guitar, a drum, and our voices, under a canopy of leaves.
We never wanted to stop worshiping. Hands up and voices raised, we praised our Maker. We came to him without distraction and with eager hearts.
I wonder if Christians find their hearts become stale when their worship does.
Praise Him in the Storm
The camp area is built on top of a ridge surrounded by forest. Just six canvas tents, a shelter house pavilion, and a campfire ring. simplicity is beautiful.
One of the evenings a severe thunderstorm came into our area. We did not have time to go down to the main camp and dorms, in the valley, before it rolled in. So, we gathered together under the shelter house.
The wind was swaying the trees and blowing the rain in on us. It was so deafening that we had to shout to be heard over the rain beating down on the tin roof.
But then we started singing. No music (except the storm itself declaring the power and majesty of God). No song books (we sang every word from our hearts, even if it was not the “right” one). Just each person coming to the Lord in prayer.
It was a beautiful reminder that we can praise God in our storms.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
No matter what we are facing, we have an opportunity to praise God for it and in it. Because no matter how difficult the situation is, it is no match for God. He is by our side—all the way. And Christ is still victorious on the cross. That is something to praise God for.
Why Do We Worship?
We were made to worship.
God does not need us, He simply wants us.
God gave us free will, because that was the only way to have real love. Yet, when we do not love Him, He loves us perfectly, unconditionally, intentionally, individually, and initially.
“Free will, though it makes evil possible, also makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having.” -C.S. Lewis
He does not need our worship. But that is exactly what He made us for. Our very beings were made to bring Him glory. Our very existence meant to magnify Him. Our essence designed to exult Him.
He is beyond worthy of our worship.
But we have nothing worthy to bring to our Designer, Savior, Father, and King. So, we bring our very selves—which He made for Himself—to His feet.
More Than Voices
Worship is more than just singing songs in church (or in the woods), but it’s all about the position of your heart.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
Worship touches the very heart of the worshipper. It penetrates the very way you live. By living in surrender to His Will, your life becomes an offering to the Lord. When you live to magnify Christ, He is glorified in that. When you do everything as if you were doing it for the Lord, that’s worship.
We worship Him by the very way that we live.
True worship is whole-hearted, all-in surrender to our King. It is a part of the sanctifying process as He molds and shapes us. And we will be completed until we make it home.
“The fact that our hearts yearn for something earth can’t supply is proof that heaven must be our home.” -C. S. Lewis
Amen!! This is one of my favorite memories from camp. I loveee storms, and being able to praise God in the middle of it was so so beautiful ❤️
This was a beautiful way of putting it. I don't think I will ever forget this memory. Just the sounds of so many believers showing their love for their savior was so powerful! ❤️