There was a season when God really helped me learn to focus during worship. It was the time when I discovered that I could worship Him no matter who was leading worship and how good or bad the music was, and I really learned to focus my heart and mind. When worship would begin each Sunday service, I would remain seated with my head bowed and eyes closed, and I would continue that way until I saw God’s face, then I would rise with that face in view and worship the King fully.
It was a good and significant time for me. I have learned that many people are so outwardly focused during worship that it is almost impossible for them to find intimacy in a group setting, but they could if they tried.
I began to remember all of this over the last couple of weeks because life has looked so different from normal. I am used to waking up to a silent home and having quiet time with God before anyone else is stirring. I am accustomed to sneaking off to my room for additional bits of quiet throughout the day and often worshiping at my piano. None of that is my current reality. So, I have found myself returning to the practice of waiting to see His face, only now I wait to see it before I walk out of my room in the morning. I find Him and then I remain in Him throughout whatever my day looks like.
None of us should ever use our situations as an excuse not to be intimate. It is possible at any time and in any circumstance. Jesus always knew how to find the Father. He often retreated for a quiet time. Why shouldn’t we? That is sacred time. To me it’s more sacred than Sunday church because it’s the launching pad for what I bring into church with me every week. It’s where I receive my storehouse and then go to church to share and grow with others.
Sadly, I think many only look for the Lord on Sunday and then wonder why Monday through Saturday are so hard.
We need Him. He tells us to seek His face. It is the highest of priorities.
I encourage you to seek His face this Sunday morning. Before you head out to church, spend time with Him and then let Him accompany you to your service. When worship starts at your church, first take a moment by yourself and seek Him out. Ask God to show Himself to you and really focus your worship where it should be focused. Not on the band, or the quality of the singer leading you, but on the Father. The One we adore. He is the beginning and end of our worship. Or at least He should be.
My heart says of you, “Seek His face!” Your face, O Lord, I will seek. Psalm 27:8
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Psalm 105:4
If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
365 Days in the Presence 