I’ve Been Thinking About Values
(Essentials Green)
“For: The Institute of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Green Online Worship Theology Coursewith Dan Wilt”
The last worship value to consider in this series is Spiritual Formation.
This value is so vital for the heart and soul of the worship leader and also the community that they lead. It has been said that our strongest and loudest instrument as a lead worshipper is our life. The state of our heart will undoubtedly change our music. If this is the case than it is essential that we consider the development of our spirituality – our heart, mind & soul. The things that we read and reflect on will undoubtedly pour out into our worship leading, whether by our song writing, song choice, verbal introductions before or between songs, our prayers or through scripture reading. This will have a huge impact on the community that we are leading into a place of intimate worship with God.
As part of my development this week I have been reading from the book Devotional Classics, a fantastic devotional collection edited by Richard Foster (Celebration of Discipline) and James Bryan Smith. This book includes readings from some of the great theological minds, both ancient and modern. The reading that most moved me this week was the section by Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius lived in the early 1500s and was a Spanish born noble who had some profound mystical experiences and developed some writings on The Spiritual Exercises. I was challenged by his ideas in relation to the journey of the soul. Viewing life as a journey is essential for our spiritual formation and development.
Dan Wilt suggests that “the soul moves, it is not static” 1 At times, for many people it almost feels like a pendulum swinging between what Ignatius calls consolation (‘positive’ place – love of the Lord) and desolation (‘negative’ place – darkness of the soul). If only everyone could process this information and own it. This would lead to the realization that movements of the soul are normal and to be expected in one’s spiritual journey. John Eldredge touches on this idea when he says in relation to our life that, “God is taking you on a journey of the heart”. 2
“A person who is in consolation ought to think of how he will conduct himself during a future desolation and thus build up a new strength for that time.” 3
If we expect that our soul will journey, we will not be surprised when we experience a period of desolation. We will also respond appropriately in our relationship with God when we are in a period of consolation. The above quote gives a strong imperative for those in a soul state of consolation to prepare themselves for future movements, essentially developing their relationship with the Lord so that they are prepared for whatever comes their way.
The book of Psalms reminds us of the extremities of human emotions and feelings. We are also provided with such obvious evidence that one such as King David, could experience such contrasting states of consolation and desolation. Ignatius states that, “For just as consolation is contrary to desolation, so the thoughts that spring from consolation are the opposite of those that spring from desolation.” 4
We are also reminded that there is hope during times of struggle and we are encouraged to strive to overcome. Ignatius suggests that, “one who is in desolation must strive to persevere in patience which is contrary to the vexations that have come upon him.” 5 When considering this idea, I am always reminded of Jesus’ words:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 6
We know that desolation will come but we have hope in Christ, a hope that has overcome this world. If we have prepared ourselves during times of consolation, this hope will be our foundation when our souls move into desolation. Isn’t it amazing to think that our God wants to take our souls on a journey through this life, preparing us for the riches of New Creation.
(1) Dan Wilt, The Movements of the Soul (New Brunswick: The Institute Of Contemporary & Emerging Worship Studies), Video
(2) John Eldredge, From The Heart (New Brunswick: The Institute Of Contemporary & Emerging Worship Studies), Video
(3) Richard Foster & James Bryan Smith, Devotional Classics (London: Hodder & Stoughton), p. 332
(4) ibid, p. 331
(5) ibid, p. 331
(6) Bible, New International Version (International Bible Society, 1973, 1978, 1984), John 16:33
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