The book of
Psalms, let us not forget, was the “hymnal” of the nation of Israel. We read
them; they sung them. Generally speaking, I try to build my theology and
practice of worship from the Psalms, not only from the theological content
thereof but by their form, structure, and use of language.
For example, should
we as evangelicals sing short, repetitive songs or long, theologically-rich
songs? As I look at the Psalms, I answer “both.” On the one hand, Psalms like 1,
23 and 117 are very short and can be sung in a matter of seconds. So I assume
that the people of Israel sung them over and again, much like we do with “worship
choruses.” The content of our choruses matters, but it seems to me that from
the Psalms we get all the permission we need to sing them. Sometimes it’s good
to let a song focus our hearts and minds on one truth, and to repeat it until
we connect with that truth.
On the other hand,
Psalms like 18, 119, and 136 are long and would have taken longer to sing. It’s
possible that parts of these Psalms were repeated in the presentations thereof,
but I doubt it. They are theologically rich and lyrically dense, and we as
worshipers need such songs to help us think deeply and worship God on the basis
of such richness and density.
So, then, what
about the use of the first person words “I and me and my and we” in modern
worship songs? Is it acceptable for us to include such words in public worship?
On the one hand, Americans have quite the love-affair going with individualism,
so that we tend to make everything about ourselves. We have to be careful,
therefore, when we’re choosing songs to ensure that we are placing sufficient
focus on the God of glory and the manifold aspects of his glory. We desperately
need to see the greatness of God, and worship him accordingly with all of our
might. This, to me, is the first and foremost principal of worship—it should be
radically focused on God and his glory.
However, this does
not mean that the words “I and me and my and we” are thereby excluded, for
these words are replete in the Psalms. “But I, through the abundance of your
steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my
enemies; make your way straight before me” (Psalm 5:7-8). And, “The LORD has
done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like
streams in the Negeb!” (Psalm 126:3-4).
If we take an
honest look at the Psalms we are forced to conclude that words like “I and me
and my and we” are not excluded from corporate worship songs. However, we are
also forced to face the fact that such words are radically focused on God
himself. The problem with many current American worship songs is that they center
on the self rather than making reference to the self. We can scarcely worship
God without reference to the self, or adequately express how he makes us think
and feel, but by definition true worship cannot be focused on the self.
So, I conclude
that first person words are by no means to be excluded from corporate worship,
but that we should pay careful attention to how they are used. As long as God
is at the center and the song in question has the potential of focusing the
people’s attention on him, we are free to enjoy it together.
May the Lord grant
us a discerning minds and affectionate hearts that we might worship him aright!
Comments
Post a Comment