I had an opportunity to see Michael W. Smith's Healing Rain concert this past Wednesday. I'd been struggling with the cost of the tickets which were almost $100. There were three artists in all with Watermark, Selah and then Michael W.
Michael W. played with his band for almost two hours. Amazing to watch a guy in his 40's still jump around the stage with the enthusiasm that he does. I especially enjoyed watching a young woman in his band who sang backup and played violin beautifully.
I left the concert filled up with the awe of watching a man honor God with his gifts and talents. He made a comment during the concert that has stuck with me - "Worship is a lifestyle."
I couldn't agree more in that I go to church and can be disappointed by the music selection or the sermon. This song didn't speak to me or that message was lukewarm, etc. This past year I was challenged by a sermon where the pastor said, we can choose to be entertained each time we come here or we can chose to worship God in our attitudes and the words and music we lift up to Him. This is a place and time to bring praise to God, not to be entertained.
I feel worship has become more of a lifestyle for me this past particularly in the music I chose to listen to. I find myself closer to God, my husband and family when I fill my days with worship and praise music. Worship music in on in the car, in the bathroom, in my office and in our living room. It fills our lives now and helps keep me more focused on a daily basis.