Staying in the Zone with Sem Schaap
Why do we worship?
Have you ever found yourself playing or singing on team whilst not being fully ‘in the zone’ ? I certainly have! I remember worship services I flawlessly played and MDed in, yet in my head I was distracted and not engaged with what was happening at all.
It’s a strange thing – because I know that worship is so precious and powerful – I have had incredible encounters in worship which changed the direction of my life! It’s also strange because even though I was distracted God still totally used what I did to move and work in other people’s lives – talk about grace!
Here’s what I realised: whenever I’ve found myself drifting away during worship I’ve had to acknowledge that I actually drifted away from knowing why I worship. I’ve had to admit I’ve got caught up in routine and doing a task, rather than worshiping God in spirit and in truth.
To counter this ‘drifting’ motion I make sure to remind myself of why I worship. It helps me to engage with worship beyond the practical role I may be carrying! There’s many reasons I could think of, but here’s a couple of key ones:
Worship helps us to focus on God rather than ourselves
Worship songs remind us of the things He has done and the promises He has given, it reminds us of His nature and of who He is
When we focus on God we find an intimacy with Him. We come into His presence, because He responds to us drawing near to Him (James 4:8).
When we’re in His presence it changes us: we simply cannot stay the same! It gives us a glimpse of understanding just how much He loves us and cares for us
In His presence we surrender control to His will, not ours. We allow Him to speak into our life.
In the intimacy of it just being You and God we find all that we need.
Here is the special thing – whether you’re in a meeting of 10, 100, 1000 or 5000 people – God wants to meet with every single person individually! He wants our full heart in a divine exchange that’s unique for everyone!
So why do I worship? I want to help people come to that place - where their eyes are focused on God and they draw near in His presence – because only that truly changes us! Not how awesome the drummer is, how epic my sounds are, or how great the worship leader is. (although each of these things will play a role in helping people to engage and draw near to God – because that’s a choice we all have to make)
The below scripture from Chronicles is a great reminder too:
1 Chronicles 16
23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvellous deeds among all peoples.
25 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendour and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
Wherever you may find yourself today – make sure to take time to remind yourself of why you worship Him! I believe it will make you hungry to focus on God and come into His presence – and to bring those we are leading with us as we do so!
Born in the Netherlands and now living in the UK, Sem Schaap is a keyboardist, producer and songwriter. Sem serves as the Music Director at LIFE Church UK and has a deep passion for building the local church and its worship teams. He is heavily involved in writing, arranging and production of LIFE Worship albums such as Dance Again, Wide Open Space and Speak To The Storm and continues to work on other musical projects too.