I stand on the platform at Church of Hope most Sundays

Recently there has been lighting changes.

Previously, as we stood on the platform, there was great visibility of the people sitting in the audience. I love being able to see others as they worship.

Fast songs, there is clapping. Sometimes people move to the beat of the music.

Slow songs, there is emotions such as raising of hands. Some close their eyes as they are moved by the words of the song.

No matter the emotion, I would feed off the audience.

With the new lighting, I am unable to see the audience. I can’t see if people are smiling or clapping. I can’t see a thing…… I whined. How can I get excited about the song? How can I feel the emotions of the audience when all I see is darkness?

Today was no exception. I couldn’t see a thing. I was hoping that the lighting would go back to normal.

Nope. This is the new normal.

But…… as I stood in the light this morning, all I could see were the words of the song we were singing.

The words that said:

I believe in God our Father

I believe in Christ the Son

I believe in the Holy Spirit

Our God is three in one

I believe in the resurrection

That we will rise again

For I believe in the name of Jesus

I didn’t have to see others to be excited about the words.

I didn’t need to see other people to worship. All I needed was to read the words I was privileged to sing. I could feel Madison beside me singing from her soul.

The words.

What the words mean.

That’s what is important.

The words that speak to my soul. The words that sing back to me, the promises from God to me.

Now, as I sing from the platform, I don’t need the lights. I can close my eyes and worship.

Pastor Mark spoke this morning about how God is speaking……are you listening?

Were the people in the audience a distraction? I didn’t think so.

Maybe the lights being lowered is the answer to my question.