You. Are. Awesome. Dude!

I have been to all kinds of worship services and events over the years. Everything from acapella to groups that had equipment rivaling some major rock bands. I have heard incredible artists who were "good and entertaining" just as I have been there when less talented artists brought all in attendance along with them to a personal place with God (not to say that one must be "less talented" to connect).

I find myself wondering some things. Are we aware of what it is we are actually saying when we sing? And when we lift our voices, are we singing for us (like we do when we sing along with any other song) or are we actually singing (speaking) to God? Is our time of corporate worship merely that time between announcements and the morning message? Or is it perhaps more of an entertainment event, like some kind of mini concert? Are we more concerned with being on key or getting the words right than what it is we are saying and more importantly, to Whom we are saying it to?

And on that note, what are we actually saying for that matter?

If you do or say something amazing, and I am there to see/hear it, would I say "I praise you for that"?  Would I not actually "give" you praise for it?  "That was awesome when you ..." or "You are wise beyond your years" or "That was the coolest thing I ever saw, the way you ...".  So when we are praising God, should we really just be saying "I praise you God" or should we actually "be" praising Him?

The Psalms are filled with words of praise to God.  And most of the time the psalmist does not say "praise you God" but actually praises Him for something.  Consider these words from Psalm 145 from David:

"The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them."

Now I am not knocking worship music or hymns - have scores of favorites of my own after all - but I do think that, at least every now and then, we should check to see what exactly what words we are singing along with (not a bad rule of thumb when singing along with our favorite non-Christian song either - you may be quite surprised to see what those words are really saying).  Seriously though, next time you are either in a service or find yourself listening to one of your favorites some other time, take a conscious moment and think about what you are saying and remember Who you are saying it to.  He is the focus point after all, or at least He should be.

And no, praise to God does not have to be limited to a set time during a weekly service, nor should it be. 

How about taking a moment (or longer) right now - consider who God is, what He has done and what He says He will do both in your life and even all of creation - His love, compassion, faithfulness and mercy - and just thank Him for it all, tell Him how absolutely awesome He is and lift your voice in praise.