Too Full to be Filled

by Pastor E

Just recently I was attending one of our schools’ “pastor appreciation” days. I love these opportunities to see the kids in their environment and to witness the smiles on their face when they know you are there, at such a special event. For me, the best part of the visit is when the students lead the school and the pastors in worship. Something about our kids leading worship puts a smile on my face. So thankful for these opportunities. 

On this particular occasion, the students were up front leading us in praise and worship. As I looked over, there was a young woman standing a few feet away from me. I couldn’t help but notice that she was juggling a cup of Starbucks, trying to get a sip while texting something on her phone. She also had some sort of book under her arm, trying to keep it where it was without dropping anything else. She needed about 4 more hands. All of this while trying to sing and praise our awesome God!! She was completely distracted and finally had to leave the room to take a call. She sadly missed the joy of worship led by the students. 

I wonder if we look the same way when we come into church on Sunday. Hearts, hands, and minds so full of “other” things that we cannot be fully present in worship. Maybe we are juggling our thoughts on the song selections we like or dislike, the temperature of the room not being just our way, what someone is wearing or not wearing, how loud the instrumentalists are or are not. Maybe we are already thinking about what we need to do when church is over before church even begins. Whatever it is, are your hands too full to receive, to be filled?  

What are you juggling during worship that keeps you from fully experiencing God’s presence? What is distracting you? What do you need to set down so that your hands, heart, and mind are free of clutter, emptied and ready to be filled up by the love of the Holy Spirit? It’s easy to say that “I didn’t get anything out of the service today” or to complain about this or that. But how did you arrive to worship–a vessel filled with the world? Or emptied of “self,” ready to fully receive the amazing gift of worship to and with our Father above? 

Brothers and sisters…..set it down, open your hands and hearts, and be fully present. Come to worship empty and ready to receive the overwhelming grace and love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He has poured himself out completely for you and you will need both hands to receive it!

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21 ESV