Last week, I went to a worship night, and my soul needed it so much more than I realized.

I walked in carrying things I had not even named yet. Grief that lingered. A body that was tired. The subtle pressure to keep it all together. I did not walk in expecting anything dramatic. I just knew I was weary. And somewhere between the first chord and the final chorus, something shifted.

Surrounded by my sisters in Christ, we came as we were. No performing. No pretending. Just daughters sitting at the foot of the Cross. Some with hands lifted. Some with tears falling. Some just standing still, breathing it in.

And He was there.

Not in an emotional hype kind of way. Not in a manufactured moment. But in the still, holy way where you suddenly realize you are not alone in your wilderness. Yahweh felt near. Gentle. Present. Like a cool breeze in a stifling room, bringing relief that was long overdue.

Psalm 34 tells us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. I have read that verse so many times, but that night I felt it. Not just as an idea. Not as something printed on a page. As reality.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” | Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

The veil was pulled back ever so slightly, like we were being given a glimpse into Heaven. I imagine this is what it will feel like to worship with the saints and angels, and with the ones we love who are already Home.

When we sang “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” by Maverick City Music, it almost felt like Lee was standing beside me, worshipping our King together. It was one of his favorite songs. As we declared, “He won’t fail,” the words felt less like lyrics and more like truth being planted again in earth that had been shaken.

That night reminded me that worship is not about sounding beautiful. It is not about performance. It is about surrender. Bringing your whole, unfiltered heart to Jesus and letting Him meet you there. Trusting that He will do what He has always done: show up.

If you are walking through a hard season like me, or even just feeling spiritually dry, this is my encouragement.

Have a worship night.

Invite a few friends over.
Or sit alone in your living room.

Turn off the lights.
Turn up the music.
Open your hands.

Let Him meet you.
He’s in the room.

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