It’s something we never tire of–catching a glimpse a white-tailed deer.  These amazing creatures are gentle and graceful. They are incredibly in tune with their surroundings and always cautious when they are in an exposed area.  (Until the rut, when their focus is skewered by their desire for a mate!)

Seeing deer out in the field is one thing–having them in your yard is mesmerizing.  It is not unusual at all for us to put on hold whatever we are doing to watch a deer (usually more than one).  Taking a statuesque pose, we remain glued to the scene until the deer makes its way out of sight, easily camouflaged by the woods.

When you experience something in nature first-hand, it changes your perspective.  If you pay attention. You can see a picture, watch it on TV, or even You Tube it, but it is never the same as seeing it for yourself.  A face to face with His creation reveals the very nature of God.

Worship can be like that.  We can watch, we can listen, and we can even be in the experience without truly expressing a heart of worship.  And, if we aren’t careful, we just might miss the privilege–and the opportunity of having a face to face with our Creator.

I don’t know why, but I know that God put music in our hearts.  Whether spiritual or secular, music can move us to tears and it can push our joy button.

The book of Psalms is a collection of divinely inspired songs that are still impacting our worship today, and many of my favorite modern-day spiritual songs are based on verses written over 2,000 years ago.  Though not all of the Psalms were praise songs, the idea was that these songs were to remind Israel of God’s power, His provision and His purposes:  all worthy of praise.

Psalm 42:1 was put to modern music in 1984 (As The Deer, Martin Nystrom), and is one that I can remember hearing not long after it came out.  I particularly love songs like this one because they bring me back to the basics:

What our human soul really longs for is fellowship with our Creator.

As the deer panteth for the water,
So my soul longeth after Thee.
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee.

You alone are my strength, my shield.
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee

“Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:16-17