More Than a Spectator

My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. —Psalm 103:1

Years ago I had an experience I’ll never forget. I was staying with a friend, and in the middle of the night, I was wakened by a sound unlike anything I had ever heard before—the sound of singing.

A Nigerian pastor and his wife were also guests in that same home. In the bedroom next to mine, this dear couple was singing “How Great Thou Art”—slowly, loudly, with their heavy Nigerian accents, with all their hearts.

At first I wondered if I was hearing angels singing. Then I thought how different this couple’s singing was from so many of us sitting in church. We barely mouth the words while watching the expert musicians on the stage.

But that man and woman were not spectators. They were right there on the stage—active participants in the great eternal drama of praise, performing for a sacred audience of One.

Let’s not be spectators. Let’s let our soul find its voice in praise.