Watch the Worshippers

May 12, 2020

So, I find myself, more and more, the old lady in the room, as I gather to worship, collaborate or minister with various worship leaders and musicians. That’s OK. (cue numerous lyrics about time marching, ticking, etc.) – the elder sister or mom, in some instances. I can be counted upon to share something somewhat prophetic that spoke volumes to me, but causes everyone else to squint at me just a little. Lol And also to resurrect or introduce some song from the belly of obscurity – not because it’s popular, but because it speaks a relevant word. I used to struggle because I did not have the pretty, soprano-worship leader-voice. I spoke in random pieces that did not always make sense to the hearer. I am grateful for those in my life who take the time to hear me and recognize that as awkward or random as I may be – there is a message trying to get out. *I say that to say: recently, the Lord instructed me to “WATCH THE WORSHIPPERS”. As a worship leader, song writer, this would not be anything out of the ordinary, but sometimes, when God speaks you just know there is an emphasis that goes beyond the surface understanding.* (In sharing that, please allow me to preface, that I am not an either/or type of person -

I believe there is usually an “and” that would fit better into the equation. Furthermore, I am not a Bible scholar. So, I cannot add to what the Lord told me. I am certainly not instructing anyone to abandon the way we approach God’s word, instruction, etc. that keep us grounded and balanced.) Twelve years ago, I remember an urgency in leading worship to sing songs of triumph and warfare – songs that were often intense and very jubilant. That’s not to say that there weren’t other songs sung / written during that time that deviated from that – however, when I would begin to select the songs for worship, there was a distinct “pull” in that direction.

About seven years ago, that began to change. (As a drummer, Tim really struggled with the change.) The songs being written were slower, more intimate, “love songs” if you will, about goodness and tenderness. INTIMACY songs. Again, there were songs that deviated from that – but it seems for the last 7 years one was hard pressed to find a relevant “fast” song that resonated on any worship album released! They were few and far between – and this fact was the topic of several conversations I had, personally, that perhaps the fast songs, the jubilant praise songs, the ones one could clap or dance to were a thing of the past.

Now, over the last nine months or so I’m beginning to see things take a turn again… they aren’t the fast dancing songs of a decade ago, but they are declarative songs about victory, salvation, life, the cross, etc. This excites me. Why? “Watch the worshippers”! Throughout the Bible (OT, specifically) the equivalent to the worship team were the first to go into battle. The Psalmists were called upon to sing at the opening of the temple, the rebuilding of the wall, to minister, to sing before the prophets would prophecy (yes, that’s all in there). We also know in the NT that there are different types of songs. Do you really think, as the worship leaders were called upon that they stood there and just made something up? No, they sang songs that were previously written, Songs that people knew, Songs they had cultivated during personal time with God. Songs He gave them – in advance - for “such a time as this”. That brings me to my point. Song writers began to write these intimacy songs, which reflected where we would find ourselves in the near future (the now). Songs wherein the spirit was beckoning the church back to her first love, songs where individuals in quarantine, living in fear and discouragement could quietly draw near and remind themselves (without the need for giant orchestra or driving drums) of His love, mercy, faithfulness - songs that would foster Intimacy during this time. BUT! The sound is beginning to change. There are new songs being written “watch the worshippers”. Before every move of God there is a sound… I am starting to see it. And, if you pay attention, you can hear it. Songs are emerging full of declaration, salvation, life. IDENTITY SONGS! Look ahead! What does that look like? Why would we need that?! Get ready.