I Chronicles 6

From the reading in I Samuel we know that David was a gifted harp player, likewise he appointed musicians in the house of the LORD when the ark of the covenant was returned to the tabernacle.

I Chronicles 6:31-32 (NKJV) "Now these are the men whom David appointed over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after the ark came to rest. They were ministering with music before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they served in their office according to their order."

Drawing a modern connection to church worship teams and their purpose is understood to be skilled musicians and singers who lift up praise and worship unto the LORD with excellence for the glory of God alone. I grew up in a Pentecostal-evangelical church tradition in Tennessee, specifically the building that Sparrow Records administrative offices used to be in Brentwood. I grew up around a lot of talented musicians and an environment that encouraged young people to worship the LORD with instruments and voice, though what my parents modeled was far more impactful in my life even today than any shadowing or instruction I received. With my parents acoustic guitars placed strategically throughout our home a culture of worshipping in spirit and truth marked my childhood, from dad's faithful reading and study of the word each day to mom's afternoon moments of personal praise and worship in her room behind closed doors - worship was a lifestyle and was more than a song. 

Biblical worship has everything to do with complete devotion to God expressed not only through the words or songs of our mouth but also attitudes of the heart, thoughts of our mind, and deeds of our hands. Worshipping in spirit and in truth like those the Father is seeking aren't just church musicians or Sunday-goers, worshippers are glorifying and honoring God with a dedication of their lives to Him with everything they are. We were created to worship, this means with everything in our being we are to lift up great praise, thanksgiving and glory and honor to the LORD God Almighty. How easy it is to limit worshipping God to Sunday morning, praise should always be on our lips especially as children of God who relate to God through glorification of His great Name!

Psalm 34:1-3 (NIV) "I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together."

Ever Be by Aaron Shust

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