April Perspective | Heart of Worship

On the night my daughters went to heaven, we pulled out pictures, scrapbooks, and school projects, reliving stories with and about the girls. God began to give us what I call “tokens from Heaven”, which, as a result, permeated us with the hope of their eternal life during our loss. I pulled out a box of school projects from the basement and opened Krista’s Senior Art Project and began to read as she described herself in words and pictures. She talked about desiring to cultivate a heart of worship. 

On the first page of this Art Project Krista expressed her IDENTITY in relationship to God. It was as if Krista were saying to us, Mom, Dad, don’t be sad for us. We’re good. We’ve gained everything! “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain” is true.

It read:

“Here’s a book about me. I wish in words I could explain to you my true identity, but the definition of identity is, “the condition of being one’s self, and not another.

Every warm memory in my heart traces back to a little place I like to call home; the place where friends and family laid the foundation that formed me into the person I am today. I was born in the city. I grew up in South Minneapolis, and I loved it! At the age of three, I knelt down next to my brother and with his help, made the most important and influential decision of my life. I asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart. Although at the time I didn’t fully understand the impact of my humble little prayer, it has proven to be the most fruitful act I have ever made.

Like all kids my age, I have my share of talents, many interests, and hopes and dreams, but before I share them with you, it’s important that you understand, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Take away all material possessions, all my talents, and earthly desires, and I will be the same because of the life I have in Christ!

So now with that said, here’s a little book about me.”

ETERNAL LIFE

We so often think of eternal life as something that happens when we die and put off thinking about it now. However, Jesus described eternal life as knowing Him—right now:  “This is eternal life, that they may know you, the One True God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). That is to say, we experience eternal life through a living relationship of worship to God through Jesus Christ which begins now and will be lived out through eternity.

At the end of Krista’s journal, she wrote the words to her two favorite worship songs at that time. Both songs spoke of worshipping God as our number one priority in life. One was called, I Was Made to Praise You. It talked about glorifying God in every circumstance of life: good or bad. The other song, The Heart of Worship, described what true worship really is.

Even as a little girl, Krista loved to sing worship songs. She was on the worship team at our church along with her brother Joey and myself. We lived across the street from our church and for a while, Krista’s job was to clean the church. You would often find her at church sitting at the piano for hours singing songs of worship, or at home playing her guitar or listening to worship CDs. Soon she had begun to discover and understand that a heart of worship is much more than just singing songs.  It is a lifestyle that flows from a heart of responding to God’s love. 

Krista desired to have a true heart of worship. Her whole life surrendered to God. She was discovering she could worship God in all areas of life.  Working, playing basketball, painting, making music, or loving people. She could love and worship God in every area of life through and as a result of an intimate relationship with Him.

HEART OF WORSHIP

When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come
Longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will bless Your heart
I’ll bring You more than a song, as a song in itself is not what You have required. You search much deeper within through the way things appear you’re looking into my heart

I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about you
It’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus!

King of endless worth no one could express how much You deserve
Though I’m weak & poor, all I have is Yours, every single breath
I’ll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself is not what You have required
You search much deeper within, through the way things appear
you’re looking into my heart – Written by Matt Redman

Physical death does not separate us from real life if we have a living relationship with the author of life itself. Because of this, it comforts me to know that Krista’s relationship and life in Christ, was not interrupted by her physical death but instead continues for all eternity. 

2 Corinthians 5:8 very clearly states: ” We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Krista was far from perfect and was just beginning to really understand and live out this heart of worship on her journey of faith. She is not in Heaven because of her own goodness, but because she received God’s grace and forgiveness. She is continuing to experience God’s love and abundant life with all of Heaven. Now—she is truly living from a heart of worship.

When Krista was a senior in high school, together, we sang a song at her HS Senior Baccalaureate Service about eternity. She wanted her classmates to experience this heart of worship both now and for eternity. Click here @Krista’s Page and scroll down to watch us sing “In My Life Medley”. Continue on her page to read more about her and see her photo gallery. 

 To read more of my story go to my book page @After The Crash

I’d love to hear from you, so please scroll down and leave me a comment. 

Please remember that you are eternally loved. There was no beginning and there will be no end to God’s love for you!