Going Through The Motions

Have you ever been singing an old, familiar song, and all of a sudden, you started thinking about the words you were singing, and from then on, that song took on a whole new meaning for you? I remember the first time I really listened to the words of the “Pina Colada” song. Where I used to work, it played a lot on the office radio channel, and when it came on, we all sang it. When I really listened to the words, though, I couldn’t believe it was a story about a bored couple who decided to cheat on each other, took out personal ads to find somebody else, went to meet their “perfect match”, and it was their partner! I had one of those “A-Ha!” moments a while back while singing “How Great Thou Art”. It’s such a majestic-sounding song and I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been hearing it since I was a child or because I was too worried about trying to sing it correctly, but I had not ever really paid attention to WHAT I was singing. In case you’ve just been “going through the motions” like me, let me share with you what I translate the words to mean:

Oh Lord, You’re my God, and when I start thinking about all the worlds You’ve made with Your own hands, I can’t think of another word than “awesome”. I look up at the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, and I just have to yell to the top of my lungs, “You are so great, God”! My soul just cries out in song to You, Lord! You are my Savior! You are so great! You are SO great! My soul just cries out in song to You, my Savior, my Lord, because You are so great! YOU ARE SO GREAT!

For me, some of the most wonderful times of worship are when it’s just me and God. I think corporate worship is important also, but when I’m alone, I can sing to the Lord, straight from my heart, with or without music. I’m not worried about how I sound or anything around me. Maybe you don’t have a problem blocking everything out around you (or maybe I’ve got a touch of ADHD), but if you do, why not try getting alone with God?

Moral of the story: Going through the motions sure does make you miss out on some good stuff.