Ever since I was given the opportunity to serve as worship leader 5 years ago, it has been my heart’s desire that all of us at New Hope would come to a greater understanding of God through songs of praise and worship. Music is a powerful, powerful avenue that God has given us to reach out to Him, to convey our heart’s longing in ways we can’t do otherwise. When Yusnan, my brother, died several months ago, it was the songs of worship who calmed my raging heart, who reminded me of who God is, and that He is good, and that His promises are true, and that He is faithful and loving and kind and just. Without these songs who knows where I would be today.

Our job as the worship team is simply to point to Jesus every time we  are up on the stage. To exalt and magnify Him, to lift Him up because He alone is worthy. We are no different than the rest of the congregation other than the fact that we happen to be leading the singing. If we have in any way point to ourselves then we have failed miserably and I pray that we will never do that.

This new website provides an opportunity for me to share the heart behind the songs that I pick every Sunday. I often joke there is a method behind my madness, but in all seriousness yes the songs don’t just get picked randomly. These are the songs that speak to my heart and I often find myself can’t wait for Sunday to come so that I can sing them. It has been rather tricky to be able to convey that Sunday after Sunday, but hopefully it will be easier now.

So what does that mean for you? That means you’ll be able to find this week’s song list as soon as I have them picked. Learn new songs before we sing them on Sunday. Listen to the writers of these songs explaining the inspiration behind them. In addition I will also blog from time to time on worship matters.

I’m excited. I hope some of you are too. Let’s worship God together!

Blessings,

Farid Widjaya