Training week is finally over and PowerPlant Team Blue is on the road! So many things happened during training…it was one of the busiest weeks of my life, and there were so many things to be learned. And I still feel sort of inadequate. But I think getting out and doing our things will be the experience necessary to fulfill my grasp of my role.
Highlights of the week: learning that there is life at 7 in the morning, although difficult for me to fully appreciate at times. Sitting in a big circle and “sharing my feelings” with fellow music leaders. Discussing some of the “theology of worship,” the necessity of humility and selfless servanthood, moving and acting by the Spirit, not the flesh. Whiffleball Beatdown – Summer Staff dominates National Staff for the second year in a row (the Terror Dome is our house)! Lots of information and details, some really good times sharing life with people I have never met and may never see again, but definitely a solid, worthwhile experience.
I read some Psalm 68 today, which says over and over to “sing praises to God!” Then every section goes into detail showing us what things we can meditate on to move us to sing to Him. This one part says, “Ascribe power to God,” and “God, You are awe-inspiring in Your sanctuaries…” and “His power is among the clouds.” If we look at the ancient Jewish understanding of these things, the concept of clouds triggers memory of the time of exodus when God led Israel in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It represented God’s presence. Also, to think about God’s sanctuaries would point to the tabernacle or the temple, where God’s presence specifically dwelled. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6 that our bodies are temples of God, so He actually dwells in us. The point? I think that the author of Psalm 68 wants to convey the idea that “God is awe-inspiring in His sanctuaries,” that it is an inspiring and refreshing and amazing thing to behold God where He dwells. Wherever He chooses to make His presence known, He moves mysteriously and powerfully, radically and gloriously. He moves in and inspires via His Creation, His specific dwelling places, and even those who bear His image – His people. I am God’s sanctuary and He is awe-inspiring in me. Wow.
So at 11:28 PM Central time as our team nears the hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas, with our Expedition hauling a PowerPlant trailer, as I sit in the backseat typing on my computer, apparently, God is inspiring in the way He works in me. And maybe He is working something in you as you read this. Maybe there is something deep within all our humanity that senses a subtle inclination toward the things of inspiration and amazement. Like what happens when we sit back and gaze at the starry night sky, or the beautiful shapes of clouds, or a breathtaking landscape.
I like amazing things. And I want to see more of them. So God, here’s a prime opportunity to amaze one of Your little inadequate servants. Keep my eyes open to see all that is beautiful.
