Just a balancing perspective on worship today…
I am aware that some worshippers almost prioritize “noise” and “volume” in worship. I’ve heard them argue, “Hey if you’re offended by noise get over it! In heaven, at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb there’s going to be plenty of noise expressed in worship (check out Revelation 19:6-8)!” And there are other passages where the presence and power of God are connected with heightened decibels (Revelation 4:5-6 in the heavenly throne room and in Isaiah 6:1-6 when the Living God revealed Himself to Isaiah).
Having acknowledged that, and having personally experienced God’s power and presence in powerful music and praise, I’d like to suggest it isn’t always that way. In fact, God often reveals Himself in profound silence and stillness… Just ask Elijah, the prophet, who experienced “a great and strong wind that tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” (1 Kings 19:11-12) And believe me, check it out – God was in the “whisper!”
So in my Bible reading this morning during “Coffee with the Lord” I was challenged cautioned and encouraged by the writer of Ecclesiastes and his observations…
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools… be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you on earth. Therefore, let your words be few… a fool’s voice comes with many words!” (From Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 ESV)
Wise advice I think! There is an important place for quiet and silence in God’s presence! Let me tell you some of the most profound awareness of God’s presence and power in my life have come in times of silence in God’s presence! And “me thinks” in prayer we would be well served to do less compulsive talking and more quiet listening for God’s voice deep within!
Coffee With The Lord 