‘It just hasn’t been the same’
By Todd Barrier
Finally! We are, albeit very differently than before, able to worship together again.
It’s been two months since we were all able to be in the same building. The state’s order changed that May 17.
Many of us have been craving this since the beginning of the pandemic. While home worship has been a blessing, it just hasn’t been the same. I think I have worshipped in my pajamas many times!
As we get ready to come back together, let’s ask ourselves a question: Are you ready? Are we ready to get in that frame of mind that might have been a little relaxed at home? There are some things for us to remember about worship – no matter where we are worshipping from.
Here are some things to think about.
We must have an attitude of gratitude (James 1:17) about worship. Not everyone around the world is able to worship as freely as us.
To have this attitude we must have an attitude of recognition. What does that mean? Well, there are some things we must recognize about God to be able to be grateful in worship.
First thing we should remember is how unworthy (Psalm 51:1-4) we are, yet we have a God who wants and allows us to worship Him.
We should recognize God’s power (Job 26:14) and that we are worshipping the Almighty! We should recognize His holiness (Isa. 6:3) and give reverence to it during worship.
God’s mercy should be something we recognize as well (John 3:16). This mercy is why we are able to worship Him.
Finally, we should recognize the seriousness of worship. Worshipping Him is the most serious thing we do. Someone who recognizes the seriousness of God will also recognize His mercy, His holiness, His power and our unworthiness. All of this will lead to an attitude of gratitude.
We will get more out of worship than ever before because we are putting more into it.
So, as we gather together again, are you ready? We can’t wait to see you Sunday!