Why I sometimes...

Why I sometimes hold my wife's hand during worship:
1. Because God has saved her too. Joy floods my heart when I think about God opening her eyes to see what He has done for her. I am happy to sing next to her because we both have been rescued by God's own hand. Sometimes I wrap my arm around her while we sing- I love to sing praises to God as a family. One of my most vivid corporate worship memories is when we were at Student Life Camp with 6000 teenagers, and Chris Tomlin was leading worship. We were both in the midst of despair, and though we couldn't understand why God had taken us to Florida, we proclaimed what we knew in our hearts to be true- together, gripping each other's hands so tightly, tears rolling down- "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord . . . You are the Everlasting God . . . You do not faint, You won't grow weary. You're the defender of the weak, You comfort those in need, You lift us up on wings like eagles." Every time we sing that song now, we grip each other's hand tightly and sing that song with all our hearts- often in tears. It reminds us of God's saving arm and His provision for us in our history together.

2. It strengthens our love for each other. There is not a stronger bond than the one that is united by God.

- ps- Because I can see a teenager reading this post and thinking that I encourage doing this with your girlfriend or boyfriend during worship I feel led to share this: I used to hold my girlfriend's hand during worship when I was in high school. I did this for no other reason than to be close to her and, I think, to steal some of her praise to God. I don't recommend this show of affection among teenagers and many singles. The girl wants to be close. The guy wants to be physical. The problem comes down to this: an individualistic mindset versus a community mindset. I held her hand because it felt good to me and not for any other reason. It was a selfish act of self-worship.

Okay, I know this is kind of a weird post, but felt the need to share. Be sure to vote in the poll- What do you think about teenagers showing public displays of affection during times of worship?

More "Why I sometimes..." coming soon...