Have you ever felt when you are worshiping God your thoughts, words, heart, feelings, prayers hit a ceiling?  I’ve been here many times myself.  Being even more transparent, even when I’ve lead others in worship.  After reading some Tozer, I believe that I have found a possible answer to this question.

1. Lack of Salvation.  You can have a sincere experience of worshiping “god” without every being truly saved (can be a form of idolatry).  The Bible speaks of people doing miracles in God’s name, and speaking for God on the street corners, and Jesus replied “I never knew you! Depart from Me!”  I’m sure these people thought they were sincere, but Jesus knew that they didn’t truly know Him. True worship must always be in “spirit and in truth.”  It’s all in the relationship.
2. Sin.  This is kind of an obvious one, but still needs to be stated.  When we sin and not repent and confess, we “rob [ourselves] of our principle purpose and joy in life, the joy of worshiping our God!” (Tozer).
3. Behind The Page.  This is something that I’ve noticed about myself and others over the years.  It’s a syndrome that is easily caught.  Basically what happens is that you read the Bible, sing songs to/about the Lord, pray, fast but sometimes don’t feel a strong connection because you and I are not looking “behind the page.”  We must connect to the Creator not the creation, must love the Author of love instead of just love itself, and have a relationship with the Author not just read His words.  You have to see past the page!  Don’t get me wrong, His Word is perfect and points us to Him, but don’t let it end there!

Just like any beginner musician has to learn that music doesn’t happen on the page - it truly takes it’s form off of the page; we must realize that our journey with Christ is the same way, which also affects our worship.  My encouragement to myself and you is to look behind the Page, the Song, the prayer, and seek the Face of God!

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