Worship and Experience

Ziphen Central – Seeking Wisdom and Sublimity

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.
(Psalm 33:1)

Driving around Fort Worth not long ago, I noticed a sign for a certain denominational congregation. Instead of the customary “Worship Times” label on the sign, it read “Experience Times.” This caught my eye because, while I had heard the use of the phrase “worship experience,” I had never before seen the word “worship” entirely excluded.

This got me to thinking—what are things coming to? This group who professed to follow Christ was evidently placing more emphasis on the worshipers’ experience than the fact that this worship was directed towards God. I believe that worship is (or at least should be) a very thrilling and uplifting experience, and if it is not so for you, perhaps you are not putting your heart into it. But while we should find joy in worship, it’s not about the experience we get.

God is great, God is mighty, and that’s why we worship Him! Let’s keep Him in the central focus. Let’s not forget why we worship, and that it is all about Him. People will not be attracted to the church by a special “worship experience,” but by seeing devoted Christians humbly magnifying their Savior through a pure desire to give Him what He deserves.

Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
(Psalm 96:9)