I come to the worship desk with open hands and an open heart – a posture that is not always easy. Here, I surrender my plans to the One who sees, the One who knows me better than I know myself, the One who loves me despite my short-comings.

I come with my meagre loaves and fish. I don’t have a lot to bring. To be honest, I am weary. My heart feels heavy. My mind feels foggy. But I know that whatever I bring, He has the power to multiply.

So, I come to the worship desk, knowing God will meet me here. Whether the words flow or none come at all, I have the overwhelming sense that I am held. I need only be still. I need only come into His Presence. He alone knows what I deeply need. He alone can refresh my soul.

I come to the worship desk and wait. I hold my plans loosely, watching for the Spirit to sweep through and lift them like dandelions seeds on the wind. Perhaps some will fall into my open palms, while others are carried beyond reach.

Whatever His plans, I come to the worship desk.

Psalm 27

The Eternal is my light amidst my darkness
    and my rescue in times of trouble.
    So whom shall I fear?
He surrounds me with a fortress of protection.
    So nothing should cause me alarm.

When my enemies advanced
    to devour me alive,
They tripped and fell flat on their faces into the soil.

When the armies of the enemy surround me,
    I will not be afraid.
When death calls for me in the midst of war,
    my soul is confident and unmoved.

I am pleading with the Eternal for this one thing,
    my soul’s desire:
To live with Him all of my days—
    in the shadow of His temple,
To behold His beauty and ponder His ways
    in the company of His people.

His house is my shelter and secret retreat.
    It is there I find peace in the midst of storm and turmoil.
Safety sits with me in the hiding place of God.
    He will set me on a rock, high above the fray.

God lifts me high above those with thoughts
    of death and deceit that call for my life.
I will enter His presence, offering sacrifices and praise.
    In His house, I am overcome with joy
As I sing, yes, and play music for the Eternal alone.
I cannot shout any louder. Eternal One—hear my cry
    and respond with Your grace.
The prodding of my heart leads me to chase after You.
    I am seeking You, Eternal One—don’t retreat from me.
You have always answered my call.
    Don’t hide from me now.

Don’t give up on me in anger at Your servant.
    You have always been there for me.
Don’t throw me to the side and forget me,
    my God and only salvation.
My father and mother have deserted me,
    yet the Eternal will take me in.

O Eternal, show me Your way,
    shine Your light brightly on this path, and make it level for me,
    for my enemies are lurking in the recesses and ravines along the way.

They are watching—hoping to seize me.
    Do not release me to their desires or surrender me to their will!
Liars are standing against me,
    breathing out cruel lies hoping that I will die.

I will move past my enemies with this one, sure hope:
    that with my own eyes, I will see the goodness of the Eternal
    in the land of the living.

Please answer me: Don’t give up.
    Wait for the Eternal in expectation, and be strong.
    Again, wait for the Eternal.