Mindset of a Hymn

 

Mindset of the Song

Oftentimes, our spiritual conditions are comparable to one or another of our great hymns. Sometimes we're jubilant like "Victory in Jesus," or “Our God is an Awesome God!” But sometimes we need the "Gentle Shepherd, Come and Lead Me." Sometimes we're in awe of the "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me." And sometimes, let's be honest, we're more like, "It's me, it's me, Oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer. It's me, oh Lord, I really need some prayer." And sometimes it's “Just As I Am Without One Plea, My life's a train wreck. Please help me."

 

Yes, I know, that’s not exactly how those songs go. Yet, when we come into worship services, we each come in from a different situation, with a different mindset. That mindset affects how we hear the music and the Word. It also affects how we respond to them. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing, even if a particular song doesn’t resonate with us at the time.

 

The one thing we always need to remember is that when we feel like we're ready for a worship service that is "Victory in Jesus!" but what we get is "Gentle Shepherd," we shouldn’t allow ourselves to become disappointed. We need to understand that others may need that service at that time. Also, surprisingly, we may find that that very service, or the memories of that service, may be what we need later, maybe even tomorrow or next week.

 

Perhaps when someone else is in need of something different, then what we need to do is consider it a gift. I believe most of you would be willing to take something you're not terribly excited about so that somebody else can have what they truly need at that time.

 

Sometimes, when we come to church, we need to realize it's not just about us. The amazing thing, though, is that sometimes when you feel like you're, "It's me, Oh Lord, it's me in the need of prayer," and the service that comes out is, "Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever," what you got might actually bring you more of what you needed than you thought. Because God is God, and he can do amazing things through things we don’t expect.

 

So, when things don't feel like they line up, consider and remember this: it’s not just about how you feel now. Do this especially as you read your Bible, or you listen to music, and when you come to church. God can meet you where you are, even if a song or the sermon doesn't match what you're feeling in your heart. God is there, and He’s always what you need.

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash