The Heart of Worship
by Pastor Jeff Blain

“O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!  For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.”  Psalm 95:6-7

There’s a popular song by Matt Redman called, “The Heart of Worship.”  For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, here are the words:

When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come;
Longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will touch Your heart.
I’ll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself is not what You have required. 
You search much deeper within through the way things appear;
You’re looking into my heart.

CHORUS:       I’m coming back to the heart of worship,
                    And it’s all about You, all about You, Jesus.
                    I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it,
                    When it’s all about You, all about You, Jesus.

King of endless worth, no one could express how much You deserve. 
Though I’m weak and poor, all I have is Yours, ev’ry single breath.
I’ll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself…

The tempo is slower, almost like the kind of music you would put on if you were planning on taking a long, hot bath.  And as you can see, the words remind us that when it comes down to it, the heart of worship is Jesus. 

Oh to be sure, the music is great.  To be sure, we look forward to a message that will help us in our Christian walk.  Oh yeah, it’s great to see those members and friends each week when we gather together.  And the coffee and goodies are part of the fun as well.  Certainly there are other things one could add to the list of things that make the “worship experience” a delight and a joy.  But when it comes down to it, when everything is stripped away, it’s all about Jesus.

Jesus – the one who died for you.  Jesus – the one who loves you more than any parent could love their child.  Jesus – who willingly and joyfully took my sins and yours to the cross so that they might control our destiny no more.  Jesus – the Son of God who came to redeem and restore God’s creation.  Jesus – who gives us access to the Father.  Jesus – who through the Holy Spirit wants to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us. 

Jesus – the heart of worship.  Will you give Him your heart – yesterday, today and tomorrow? 

Lord Jesus.  I bow before You in love, in awe, in worship.  Thank You for all You have done for me and for the world.  Open me up more and more to Your will.  Be in my heart and be my heart.  I pray these things in your holy and precious name, AMEN.