Buying
Options:
Surprised by Worship by Travis Cottrell
Reviewed by Dale Lewis
"Packed in less than 200 pages, it speaks to our attitudes, our mindset . . . as well as your heart."
As a freelance book reviewer,
my need-to-read pile of books grows daily. My first thought after receiving
this book was, “What can be said
about worship that we Americanized-Christians really need to hear again?” Even
if we are not paid as worship leaders in our churches, we certainly know
how to raise our voices and make a joyful noise.”
Following a foreword that somehow evolved into a mini-sermon by Beth Moore,
Travis shares biblical and modern-day stories of people who, while experiencing
life’s struggles, are also open to spontaneous acts of worship. And
not just corporately with body of believers!
Surprised by Worship is his journey in discovering anew the presence of
God when he least expected it. The surprises you can’t plan or schedule
in a worship service or in life. Packed in less than 200 pages, it speaks
to our attitudes, our mindset . . . as well as your heart. Using highly
personal illustrations and transparent moments, it is more like a one-on-one
conversation than a lecture on the seven steps of worshipping well.
By bringing us the hope, strength, even deliverance when we are distracted
or heavy-laden, worship can be our sweetest resource to consistently living
the life of a Christ-follower. As my pastor would say, “Holy moments
when the ordinary becomes holy simply because of the presence of the Almighty.” In
every circumstance, God's voice can be heard, especially in those moments
when we never expect it.
Here are a few hard-hitting, convicting quotes that resonated with me:
"I
have
a feeling that if we dropped our defenses before God’s throne,
our offenses would go away.”
“When truth emerges in unfamiliar or unattractive packages, we are prone
to become offended and close off to what God might be doing.”
“ . . . not trust that He will make my life easy and pain-free, but trust
that whatever comes my way, I can rely on Him to hold me safe. To pick
me up. To keep me in His care.”
Do you choose not to clap your hands much in worship, like me? Do you neglect
the moving of the Spirit because you don’t like standing up all the
time or repeating the words over and over again or because it’s a
newer song you don’t like? Pick up a copy of Surprised by Worship today and begin to experience worship with a fresh set of eyes and an even
softer heart!
