I always pray and seek the face of God before and during my time of writing this column. Recently though, I felt that I could not hear what God had for me to write. It is unusual not to hear from God when I seek to know His mind, and so I continued to pray. What I heard next in my heart was the opening line of an old hymn by Clare H. Scott, “Open My Eyes That I May See.”
Not remembering the words to this hymn, I went to my bookshelf where I keep a few well-worn hymnals that have been discarded from our church along with one from the Ocean City Tabernacle. I love the old hymns but, because we do not sing them as often, the words do not quickly come to my mind, so these hymnals are very handy. (Hymn lyrics are also available on the internet.)
The words I was seeking are: “Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me; place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.” The song continues, “Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!”
Those words took me back to praying and seeking what God would have me share this week. Not coincidentally, in the meantime I read an article speaking about the use of music in our churches.
My church has a nice mixture of both hymns, using the organ, and more jazzy praise songs accompanied by the piano, drums and several other instruments. I imagine most churches seek to find a balance based on their congregations’ preference so as to include enough of each to satisfy their members.
And that was what this article was discussing, who attends church, and should the music be geared toward regular attendees or to the occasional visitor. We followers of Jesus attend church in order to intentionally gather together at least one day a week to hear the Word of the Lord and to celebrate and worship our wonderful God. There are many Christians who attend church every week, and most of us feel free to invite everyone and anyone to come and hear the words of God spoken and expounded upon.
The article was generated by a statement from a Christian musician who suggested that our churches should have simple music so that first-time guests, as seekers, would be able to sing with the congregation. The writer of the article argued that the music of praise is for our God – not for the visitors and not even particularly to please us – but to worship God. I absolutely agreed with the writer.
People seeking to join us in worship of our God are not always ready or willing to praise and adore our Father, and that is why they are considered seekers. The regular church worship service is for those of us who firmly believe in Jesus’ gift of salvation through His death on the cross, His resurrection and the redemption that brought to us. Those of us attending church are seeking to thank and adore Him for our salvation from the sure penalty of eternity in Hell.
It was an interesting discussion that started with music but really was touching on the true reason why any of us attend church on a given Sunday. It raises the question – do we really believe Jesus is our Savior, or are we attending by habit or for another reason? This is a question each of us should clarify in our minds. Do we have such a sincere and loving relationship with the Lord that we want to sing His praises and thank Him with joy for all He has done for us? If not, do we even desire that intimate relationship with our Creator, the one that knows us best?
Jesus issued the invitation, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Jesus also said, “I am the door.”
We are given the invitation to seek Jesus by Jesus. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
This sounds easy, but not many of us accept Jesus’ invitation because He also says, “. . . small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
This week may God graciously answer all who are seeking, “Open my eyes that I may see.”
Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
