"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." -Romans 5:5
We love Sea World. When we lived in Southern California, it wasn’t very far from our home. It was always my first choice over Disneyland, Universal Studios, and all of the themed parks. If it swims, my boys love it! Both of them are “wanna be” marine biologists, so Sea World is on the top of the list.
Last spring, my husband, Rob, had business in Florida, so we met him there for a mini vacation. Sea World was close by, and we had the best view of it from our hotel room window. The boys barely slept that night with anticipation of going to the park the next day. It was pretty warm and a bit humid when we got there, but we were too excited to notice.
Once in the park, and armed with maps, we charted our course for the day. Everything revolves around the water shows, especially the “Shamu” Killer Whale Show—although they don’t call it that anymore. We were in the front of the line so we had a good choice of seats. My men wanted to sit up front in the splash zone—the day was getting hotter and what fun to get soaked by a whale.
Admittedly, I am not a fan of sitting in the splash zone. I don’t like getting wet in my regular clothes, and well, I am vain. To get splashed in the face and walk around with runny makeup and looking like a drowned rat is simply unappealing and frankly uncomfortable. But, the guys talked me into it. They convinced me it wouldn’t be that bad—it was. We were soaked. But I put a smile on my face and persevered. The show was great; the rest of the day was even better.
Although I don’t like sitting up front in the splash zone at a water show, I do like to sit up front in most places. In meetings I like the front so I don’t get distracted. When I’m in the movie theater I want to sit close enough that my periphery is covered, but not too close that I have to crane my neck. In concerts I want to be close enough to see the full orchestra or performers. And in school events I want to be right up front to see my kids and take pictures. Being up front makes me feel like I’m part of the action.
Generally, people sit in the same place every week in church. This is their comfort zone, and there is nothing wrong with that. I sit in the same place every week in worship—up front in the splash zone, and I don’t get distracted (except by my boys). I want the full effect of worship, and I want to be part of the action—part of what the Holy Spirit is doing in and through the worship team, the pastors, and even my heart. No matter how I feel coming in to worship, I always feel better when I leave.
What is Worship?
Max Lucado says it best in his book, Just like Jesus:
Exactly what is worship? I like King David’s definition: “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3 NASB). Worship is the act of magnifying God. Enlarging our vision of him. As we draw nearer, he seems larger. Isn’t that what we need? A big view of God? Don’t we have big problems, big worries, big questions? Of course we do. Hence we need a big view of God. Worship offers that. How can we sing “Holy, Holy, Holy” and not have our vision expanded?
A vibrant, shining face is the mark of one who has stood in God’s presence. After speaking to God, Moses had to cover his face with a veil (Exodus 34:33-35). After seeing heaven, Stephen’s face glowed like that of an angel (Acts 6:15; 7:55-56). God is in the business of changing the face of the world! ____
I want the big, magnificent view of God, for my periphery to be full of what God has for me at that moment, what He wants for me to hear, see, feel, and know. I want to be continually reminded of the cleansing waters of baptism. As we are drenched in these waters, we can rejoice and continue to be blessed by His presence. I want for my face to glow, saturated in the Holy Spirit—to be part of God’s plan to change the face of the world. Worship must be in spirit—we must engage with our whole heart. God wants our undivided attention, to soak us through.
Being in the splash zone doesn’t really mean we must sit up front in church—although I like it—it means we draw close enough to God to get the enlarged view of Him, of who He is, to understand what He has done for us, and experience His rich blessings. James 4:8 tells us “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” How do we draw near to God? Every time we pray, every time we seek Him, every time we read His Word, and every time we extend His love and kindness to others, we are are in the splash zone being drenched by God through the Holy Spirit.
Being up front and personal with God is essential for us to have a relationship with Him. Worship doesn’t just happen in church; it could/should be done most of the time (or all the time) in our lives, regardless of the place or situation. The Holy Spirit within us is the one who energizes worship. Imagine your entire life being drenched by God, soaked in His presence, and dripping with the Hoy Spirit.
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." -Romans 5:5