Recently I read a blog that made the point that the songs we sing in our assemblies have almost exclusively shifted from songs of encouragement to songs of praise. I am not sure why it has happened or what to make of it, but it seems to me there is no reason why encouragement should not be included in the corporate worship. After all, it is only logical that if we are going to praise God, it is only reasonable that we remind ourselves why.
Just why is our worship so lopsided? There are times I would desire a heartfelt song about a God who came through in a time of trouble or something that speaks directly to our heart. Could it be we prefer worship that doesn’t get too close to our personal relationship with God? “Just as I am”, physically and mentally imperfect. Not even feeling acceptable to myself sometimes., in the very center of God’s love. That’s something to sing about, but we don't very often do we?
Do you really want to know why we have trouble attracting membership? Its because people do not see any need for church, or at least what it has come to mean in our culture. Those who do seek God's mercy rarely find a place where it is offered.
I attend an accepting congregation, for which I am thankful. Yet part of me would prefer a congregation of those who know how knowing Christ has changed their lives and who are not afraid to sing about it.
