Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2
A man in church attracted my attention when I saw him standing all alone with hands raised during the worship time. I thought to myself, doesn’t that guy know he is the only one standing? As time went along, I saw that he stood up during the singing whenever he wanted and didn’t appear to care who noticed. I soon discerned he was blind. His focus was on pure praise and worship as He sang directly to his audience of One.
As I sat in church, I started thinking about how freeing it would be if I were blind. What? you say. That must be a misprint. Nope. Blindness would allow me to worship more freely. Unlike me, the man’s worship was not hindered or influenced by my spearing glances or the glares of others. He was in awe of God and stood in honor while so many of us were sitting orating words out of habit with hearts elsewhere.
I recognize that privately, I give God the praise He deserves, but sometimes the pride of my heart has me bound in public settings. Sure, when cruising in my truck alone or even when singing with my family, I crank up the music. I freely chase the lyrics up the scale to the point of falsetto and drop in a made-up harmony to fit my liking without a care in the world.
This man’s freedom to express worship has rejuvenated me. I can see clearly now. I want to radiate my love for the One who has forgiven my sins. If others don’t like it, they can close their eyes.
God, forgive us for the religious customs we place in front of our sincere worship, and pluck the prideful spirit from within. Cause us to live with a blindness to the expectations of others and to illuminate You as we worship.
Lord, bless my dear blind brother, and cause his view of You to perpetuate to others.
Blessings,
Wes