Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

I've heard that saying a lot over the years, and had come to understand and appreciate its meaning during several key events of my life. But, this simple phrase became so very real to me yesterday morning when I stood in church and worshipped there for the first time in over a month. Because of Hurricane Ike, our two weeks away in Russia, and then some crappy stomach pains I had last week, I had missed several weeks of church.

While in Russia I had several chances to participate in individual worship as well as corporate worship with our brothers and sisters there. But, being back home at our church, seeing the familiar faces of those who partnered with us through prayer and support, and then hearing the powerful and majestic music of praise to our Lord was almost too much for me. I felt like my insides were going to burst with a mix of joy and awe and peace and reverance.

Hearing these words being sung aloud to a sovereign and glorious God, especially in light of what I just witnessed Him do in Russia, was definitely a high point for me.

After wrapping up my BSF lesson tonight, I began reading some of Psalms, and I came across Psalm 144, where David tells God he will sing a new song to him, and will play a 10-stringed harp for him. Throughout this book and others are countless stories of men and women singing praises to God and playing instruments to Him. It made me stop and think about the first ones on earth who played music. Did they understand what it was right away? Did they begin to look for more things that would make interesting sounds and noises? And once they found an instrument, at what point did they realize they could use it to make joyful noises unto the Lord? When did they realize their voices could be a way to honor and celebrate God and His goodness?

Thinking of all this made me realize how gracious God was to give us music. He could have just been ok with us speaking praises to Him alone. Or writing Him a nice letter of praise and thanks and petitions. But, he allows us to experience this rich and rewarding gift, and then use it to give Him thanks for it. I love that He loves music and worship in its various forms. I can't wait to find out what heavenly music and worship will sound like.