Thoughts on Worship | creating community through singing
Hey Parents and Friends!
When I hear the word “singing” —I typically clam up with the thought of my voice being heard by anyone or anything besides my shampoo bottles. My sister, on the other hand, can sing in front of anyone; she can carry a tune beautifully with no problem! To say that I am jealous of anyone who can sing would be an understatement.
When I first started going to church, I quickly realized that singing—worshipping God through song—was part of the deal. I would stand there reading the words on the screen in my head—but never letting my mouth open in fear that someone might hear my voice and run.
It was uncomfortable, awkward and truthfully I didn’t understand it. I cared more about what people thought of me than honoring God in those moments.
Maybe you have a teen who has similar feelings about worship and singing is not their thing. It took me a few years to even feel comfortable worshipping on Sunday mornings, but once I learned what worship meant and how it related to my relationship with God, I developed a deep appreciation for worshipping through singing together.
“The nearness of God is my good.” Psalm 73:28
First, worship music helps us commune with God. It has words to focus on Him and hopefully worship him without distraction! We love worship in Lifeline before the teaching to set our hearts on God before we hear what the teaching is.
Second, worshiping together can unite us as one body. As we clap in rhythm together or raise our hands in praise—it creates a community that is encouraged by one another through God. The lyrics in worship music can also give us the words to express our love and praise for Him; it connects us to Him and to one another.
Lastly, worship can change us from the inside out. There is no denying that worship music is inspirational and creates an emotional response within us. Some of my most powerful moments with God have been through worshipping with others! Oftentimes worshipping together can change your mood and open your heart for what God is doing.
I don’t know about you, but knowing how worship works through my heart and deepens my relationship with God changed my entire view on what it means to worship. It’s helped me let go of what others think of what I sound like and truly make room in my heart for God to change me and show my love for him with my voice with others.
I hope this was an encouragement to you or your teen to show up as your authentic self, sing with what God gave you, and watch him transform you!
If you’re interested and want to take some of our favorite Lifeline worship songs with you all summer, we put together a playlist just for you! Check it out here!
About the author:
Kaitlin Scott
Kaitlin is the Student Ministries Campus Coordinator at the Kentwood Campus.