A worship story

This is a great worship story by Jim Daly in Stronger:

"I remember a day when I was especially low emotionally.... I was home for lunch in my suit and tie, alone, staring into the bathroom mirror.  Staring back was a discouraged and confused individual.  Sure, I'd dedicated my life to the Lord a few years before.  But I was still figuring out just what that meant for me.  I dreamed of a life of meaning, but at that moment, I felt incredibly empty.

"Lord, I prayed, what am I doing?  Is this what life is about?  I'm just a cog in the system, working from eight to six and trying to make a living.  What do You want from me?  What do I need to do?  Is this all You have for me?

"The guy in the mirror was losing hope.

"It occurred to me in that moment that I was really immersed in what was happening--or actually, not happening--in my life.  I didn't see a clear path to the future, and I was letting it destroy my present.

"Okay, I thought, it doesn't have to be this way.  I'm not going to let my circumstances dictate my feelings

"I decided that it was time for drastic action--I needed to start singing songs of praise to God.  I .say 'drastic' because I wasn't much into music at the time, and I was a terrible singer.  I didn't know any worship-song melodies or words, so I just started making them up....

"'God, You are an awesome God,' I sang.  "You are the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords.  You have my life in Your hands.'  As I sang, something strange happened.  I felt an overwhelming and wonderful change inside, as if someone had poured a bucket of joy on top of me.  It spread throughout my body until I was literally filled with an intense sensation of bliss.  I felt the Lord's presence; I felt that everything was going to be all right.  I'd never experienced anything like it before.

"Pretty soon, I was doing more than singing.  Right there in the bathroom, and out into the bedroom, I started dancing.  I really couldn't help myself.  I wanted to honor the Lord in every way.  God was in control, and I was just enjoying the ride.

"Finally, I looked back in the mirror and smiled.  The guy in front of me didn't appear anything like the forlorn fellow I'd seen a few minutes before.

"'Okay, Lord,' I said, 'I'm just going to go finish my day.  We're going to have fun.'"

Renee Madison, MA, LPC, CSAT is a counselor in Colorado.  She can be reached for appointments at 303-257-7623 or 970-324-6928