Worship 24/7

Many years ago I went to Haiti on a mission trip. There we served in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The moment I got off the plane, the heat and stench of the third world country rose off the tarmac. Immediately, the smog of burning rubber cast a grey cloud over the city of Port au Prince. As I gathered my luggage, I was met by one of the most beautiful women I have ever known, Sister Phyllis Newby. Sister Phyllis is a tall stately woman with a smile, faith and heart that immediately draws you to her. Sister Phyllis has been serving as a missionary to Haiti for years, with many pastors under her leadership. She has also blessed many children in an orphanage that she oversees.

Haiti is one of the spiritually darkest locations I have ever been. Walking down the street (which you absolutely do not do alone) and looking into people's faces, you can easily see evidence of their spiritual state. Hate, anger, starvation, abuse of all kinds are rampant in this country. Also voodoo is the national religion. Thus the beloved bride of Christ, stands out in stark contrast to the rest of the country. Sister Phyllis, the pastors and fellow believers serve tirelessly with joy despite their surroundings. Their joy is unlike any I have seen.

As we drove along the dusty potholed dirt roads, you could hear Sister Phyllis singing and worshiping the Lord. Often, she sang by herself, without instruments or other voices. Her worship was 24/7. It wasn't contingent upon her surroundings. You see Sister Phyllis was and is so completely in love with Jesus. She can't help herself. She is in a continual state of worship.

I learned a lot from Sister Phyllis on that trip. I want to worship God with my life. Worship is not just an hour on Sunday. It isn't a style of music. Neither is it about you and me. It isn't about our gifts. It is all about God and who He is. We are wired to worship God for life. Our daily lives are the greatest billboards for God's glory.