Recently, when my wife and I were on the way to church we had a disagreement, and I spoke harshly to her. I knew I'd blocked the flow of God's Spirit in my life. There was a sense of grieving deep within me. Yet I was unrepentant. When we arrived at church, I tried to worship, but I was miserable. I had difficulty focusing on the loveliness of the Lord Jesus. Every time I attempted to look to Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin.

I had a choice to make. I could repent and restore my fellowship with God and my wife, or I could fake worship. I did the latter. I had a reputation to maintain. I was an international evangelist and Christian author. How would it look for someone in my position to go to the altar in repentance? I sang all the songs, said the "amens," and smiled and greeted all of my Christian friends. However, I did not worship Jesus Christ. I went through the outward motions, but I did not worship in spirit. True worship wasn't restored to my life until I made things right with God and my wife. It was only then that I was able to experience the joy of worship that originated from the release of the Spirit of God in my life.