Phil Wickham killed it in the opening session of the National Worship Leader’s Conference. Standing alone on a stage with his acoustic guitar, in front of thousands of worship leaders, he absolutely took us into God’s presence. I especially liked his spacing in worship. I liked that he left gaps between songs that allowed time to respond to what God was saying. It gave me an opportunity to spend time listening, not just singing.
The opening speaker, Steve Berger, spoke from his heart about a receiving a new song in the midst of great personal pain. Last year Berger lost his son in a car accident, and he shared with the audience his journey from Psalm 40:1-3
“ I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.
He brought out seven main thoughts on this passage:
1. The new song in this passage occurred during a time of great despair. We often want to celebrate in the joy of Christ’s resurrection, without realizing that is only possible after experiencing the fellowship of his suffering.
2. Sometimes the duration of our time of suffering is more than we would like or expect. We frequently want God to be a microwave, but character is not created in the microwave.
3. Supplication – the psalmist prayed continually. He cried out in hunger and pain for God. The solution to tough times is not within ourselves.
4. Salvation – Christ is the only salvation from darkness. Trying to rescue ourselves is futile. Waiting on the Lord is the best solution, the solution that will create character.
5. Destination – the pit is not our final destination. God intends to “set our feet upon a rock.” Be assured that God has a plan for your life and the pit is not the end.
6. Adoration – God puts a new song in your mouth as you more fully know him and grasp his character in tough times. Don’t let darkness squash out your understanding of God’s greatness and righteousness. His character is the same whether you are in a tough time or not. Continue to offer praise.
7. Revelation – New Songs are seen, not just heard. As your character is changed, it affects more than just your personal relationship with God. People around you also see how God is working in your life. Your life can become a revelation to those around you.
At the end of the service, Berger offered the opportunity for hurt and wounded worship pastors to come to the altar for prayer. I was saddened by the sheer number of people who came forward. Don’t misunderstand me. It is awesome that they are finding healing. The sad part is that many of those pastors are dealing with hurt inflicted by their churches. I remember being there. I am very thankful that I am now in a situation where I am free to serve in the ways that God has gifted me. I prayed desperately for those pastors last night. May God bring them renewal this week.
The Gettys closed out the night. I have to say that although I am not a hymn person, hymns done Irish style could grow on me. As the room full of musicians sang “The Wondrous Cross”, I was awed by the love of our Creator.
I am looking forward to another amazing day. I know God has big stuff in store.
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