You Have To Try This

PSALM 46:10, 103:1-13

For our time together today we are going do something different. Admittedly, our focus these past few days has been very academic. Let’s leave the classroom and mix it up a bit today. You up for something a little outside of the box? Good. I knew you would be.

At some point today I want you to conduct a little “experiment” of sorts. You will need the following:

- Your Bible
- A quiet and private place (bedroom or a large closet would be ideal) - A candle or small lamp
- Something to play music (smart phone, tablet, CD player, etc)

Once you have everything, go to your private place. It is important that you have this place all to yourself. Make sure no one will be barging in to interrupt you. Also, it is important that you eliminate all the distractions in your quiet place. That may mean shutting down your computer, turning off the television, putting your phone on silent, etc.

Once you are distraction free go ahead and read through the verses in Psalms listed above. Take your time and really meditate on what they are saying. After you have read both of the passages in Psalms, you will pray a very specific prayer. In your own words and your own way, I want you to simply ask the Lord to meet with you. Invite Him to fill the room you are in. And more importantly, invite Him to fill every room of your heart. Something like this:

“Lord right now I am all alone. I am being still. I have pushed aside everything that distracts me. You have my undivided attention. I want to meet with you. Here and now, will you reveal Yourself to me? I love you and want to draw closer to you. I ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Prayed the prayer? Awesome. Here’s what I want us to do next (yes I said “us”...I am doing this myself today as well—not gonna let you have all the fun). I want you to play your favorite worship song. Maybe you have it on your smart phone or tablet. Maybe you have a stereo in your room and want to play it on CD. Maybe some of you are old school and wanna bust out the 8-track player. Whatever you want!

Now some of you may be saying, “I am new to all of this. I don’t have any worship music or even know where to find it.” Not to worry—I gotcha covered.

On your smart device, open the YouTube app. Below are some songs you can type in (many of them have lyrics included). These are all songs that Pastor Spencer has led us in on Sunday mornings. If you are not a YouTube person, purchase or borrow a worship CD from some of the artists in this list. You can find some great worship CDs at Mardel (Garland, Mesquite) and Lifeway (Mesquite).

“Forever Reign” by Hillsong


“10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman 

“Cannons” by Phil Wickham


“How He Loves” by David Crowder


“How Great Is Our God” by Chris Tomlin 

“Jesus Paid It All” by Kristian Stanfill 

“Holy Spirit” by Kari Jobe


“Your Love Never Fails” by Jesus Culture

Okay, got your music cued up? Awesome! You are getting really close. Last thing you need to do is light your candle (or turn on your lamp) and then shut off the lights. In that nice cozy little space you are sitting in, go ahead and play your worship song of choice. Maybe you want to play numerous songs. With the Word of God in mind, distractions gone, and music playing I want you to worship. Out loud. Yes, I want you to sing out loud. It’s just you and Him. Don’t worry about how well you sing or how goofy you look. Get lost in His presence. Remember it’s just the two of ya’ll. Jesus doesn’t care about how well you carry a tune. Go ahead and raise your hands (see Psalm 134:2). Reach up to Him in holy surrender. Just do your thing, and do it for as long as you want. It may be for a few minutes. It may be for a good while. Just go until you feel released to stop.

Some of you are reading this and think this sounds crazy. Just try it. I think you will be amazed at how God reveals Himself to you. I would love to hear stories and feedback from your little “experiment” with The Lord.

Hadley Baker