I was watching a service on YouTube and felt the tangible presence of the Lord. As the Spirit of the Lord was moving strongly, someone interrupted this precious and holy moment. Unfortunately, this happens too often in church services: during praise and worship, some individuals feel the need to speak or minister, disrupting the flow of the Holy Spirit.
While the intentions behind this may be good, it can hinder the worship and what God is trying to accomplish in that moment. If you are truly led by Him to speak, please do so, but please make sure you’re hearing from Him and not your flesh. God help us!
Let us be discerning and pray for sensitivity to the Spirit of the Lord! There are some dire situations that many are facing—life and death. Many feel like they are drowning in difficult circumstances. Without a touch from the Master, they may not be able to stand. Souls and lives are at stake. Let the Lord do what only He can do! Another thing is the distraction caused by people looking at their phones, playing games, taking photos, and recording during the service. This behavior lacks reverence for our Holy and righteous God. It detracts from the purpose of our gathering and is disrespectful—not only to the Holy One of Israel but also to fellow worshippers. We must do better!
Here are some scriptures based on the importance of maintaining a reverent atmosphere during worship.
The Importance of Worship
- Worship is a Sacred Time: Worship is not just a routine; it’s a sacred time set apart for encountering God. In Psalm 95:1-2, we are encouraged to come before God with joyful songs and thanksgiving. This sets the tone for a collective experience of reverence and awe.
- God’s Presence: When we gather to worship, God is present among us. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus promises, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” This presence deserves our full attention and respect.
- Joy in His Presence: Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This joy is what we all long for, and it flourishes in an atmosphere of worship where distractions are minimized.
- Distraction from the Spirit: Talking during worship can distract not only the speaker but also those around. Hebrews 10:25 warns against neglecting to meet together, emphasizing the importance of gathering for encouragement and mutual edification. When conversations break out, it can lead to a loss of focus on the worship experience.
The Example of Uzzah
The story of Uzzah, who touched the Ark of the Covenant and was struck dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7), serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of approaching God with reverence. Uzzah’s intentions were good—he wanted to protect the Ark—but his actions disregarded God’s commands about how to treat sacred things. This illustrates that even well-meaning actions can lead to serious consequences when they disrupt God’s order.
Conclusion
While the desire to connect and share during worship is understandable, it’s crucial to recognize the sacredness of the moment. By fostering an environment of reverence and respect, we give God liberty to do as He pleases, enhancing our collective worship experience.
Psalm 100:4 – Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.