John 4:23 "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks."
The Bible talks alot about the faith of a child. For the blog this week, I want to use the words of my twelve year old son, Jacob. Many of you know that he has Asperger's Syndrome, which is high functioning autism. It manifests itself mostly in social skills, but Jacob also really struggles with his emotions. He wants so desperately to fit in, yet he understands that he has some special needs that keep him from doing so at times. He has highs and lows, but one thing I can say about him is that he loves Jesus with all his heart.
A few weeks ago, Jacob came to me on a Saturday and handed me thirteen little pieces of paper. He said, "Here mom. Last night in my bed, I just felt like God was speaking to me, and I felt like I should write this down." I looked down at what he handed me, and it was written on the back of thirteen pieces of paper "money", about two inches by three inches. Jacob doesn't have the best printing, but as I sat reading, I was astounded at the depth of his relationship with God. This is what he wrote, word for word, without one edit by me. Here is Jacob's psalm to the Lord.
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God, please take this pain from my heart. It’s burning up and over, over-flowing. I lay in my bed shedding these living tears. The devil’s trying to conquer my thoughts. But then I remember You, God, and I find the courage to fight back those evil thoughts. Your name is a miracle for all those who call upon it. And You alone have the power to turn my sadness into a joyful wake up call. So I thank You. Yes, I thank You, God.
Now I want to take back those actions. Thank you for these joyful tears. I feel renewed in Thee, Spirit. My heart was filled with sorrow, but now You’ve filled it with joyful thanksgiving. Hallelujah, You have strengthened my heart, with Your unending love! Thank you, God. You’ve made me happy once again. Thank you, God. Thank you, God.
When the evil one comes beckoning, I won’t let him in. I’ll find the courage to resist him. With Your name I can do anything. The devil has no hold over me with this new found courage. Nothing can stop me from living my life for You. You healed my broken heart. What else can I say but thank you!
You never give up on this sad lowly life. No matter what happens, I know that You’ll be there for me. You’ve given me something to put my trust in. You’ve revived me. You’ve saved me. You protect me. What else could I possibly need? Oh, thank You!
When the world comes trying to kill all my hopes, I know You will be there for me, fighting back those evil lies and giving hope for the future. You saved me from the lies and fixed my broken heart. When I was trapped in the devil’s web of despair, You freed my heart and revived my hopes and dreams. Oh, how could I possibly end this song of thanksgiving? You never stop giving me a reason to be thankful. Mere words can’t describe the power of Your name.
Thank You!
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I sat there, reading in amazement.. Oh the faith of a child! Oh how much I have to learn from my sweet son! Take a look at the verse to memorize for this week. John 4:23 "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks."
As I read Jacob's words as he poured out his heart to God, I couldn't help but think that this was true worship. This is the kind of worship that God expects. And I also wondered if I had ever worshipped God with my words the way Jacob had expressed. Sure, I was proud of him, but more so, I was humbled that this son of mine, special needs and all, could "get it" when it comes to worship. So many times, we equate worship with singing. After all, "worship" is the music section of church, right? Wrong. Worship is so much more than that, and God our Father is looking for true worshippers. He's looking for people who worship Him in spirit and truth. My goal: to have the faith of a child. Like Jacob. To be a true worshipper. To have my Father recognize me as one who worships Him in spirit and truth.
As we memorize the verse this week, I challenge you to write down your worship psalm to the Lord. Pour out your heart to Him. Be a worshipper, a true one. Let the worshippers arise!
---Beth (and Jacob) Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com