I'm learning, but I'm getting better at it because I'm learning

Michael W. Smith, whose life and music have lifted countless souls, once spoke with humility and awe: “I’m learning, but I’m getting better at it because I’m learning how to hear God in worship.” These words do not speak of perfection attained, but of a journey embraced. They carry the weight of devotion, the longing of a heart that yearns not just to sing about God, but to commune with Him. His statement shines with the truth that growth in faith, like growth in art, is not instant but continual, shaped by patience, humility, and the discipline of listening.

The meaning of this reflection is profound. To hear God is not merely to read holy words or repeat familiar prayers—it is to open the soul in worship, to allow silence and song alike to become doorways to the divine. Smith admits that he is still learning, reminding us that no one is ever finished with this journey. Yet he also rejoices that he is “getting better,” for with each act of worship, the ears of his spirit become more attuned to the voice of the Eternal. His words remind us that worship is not performance, but communion; not duty, but encounter.

The origin of this statement lies in Smith’s vocation as both musician and servant. Known for songs sung in churches across the world, he recognized that the power of music is not only in melody, but in its ability to carry the soul upward. In leading worship, he discovered that his own heart was being trained—that even the one who guides others must himself remain a disciple, learning afresh how to bow, how to listen, how to perceive the whisper of God amid the harmonies of praise. His humility makes his words a living testimony: even those we see as leaders in faith are still learners before the Lord.

History too bears witness to this truth. Consider King David, the psalmist of Israel, who as a shepherd boy learned to sing with harp in hand beneath the open skies. His songs were not written as polished performances, but as outpourings of his heart before God. And yet, through those songs, he learned to hear God’s guidance, to find strength in despair, and to lead a nation into worship. Like Smith, David was ever a learner—failing, repenting, rising again, but always growing in his ability to discern God’s voice in song and silence.

There is something deeply emotional in Smith’s words, for they speak to the yearning that dwells in every human soul—the desire to know we are heard, and to hear in return. In a world filled with noise, distractions, and false voices, his confession is both honest and courageous: he is still learning to listen, but in worship he finds clarity. His words stir us to recognize that we too may draw near, that we too may hear the voice of God, if only we will humble ourselves, set aside distractions, and open our hearts in reverent song.

To future generations, his statement offers both encouragement and guidance. The encouragement: you do not need to be perfect to encounter God. Like Smith, you may begin where you are, still a learner, still imperfect, yet still beloved. The guidance: make worship your school of the spirit. Approach it not as ritual alone, but as an opportunity to train your heart to listen. In time, you too will say, “I am getting better,” for God delights to teach those who are willing to be taught.

The lesson is clear: cultivate the discipline of listening in worship. Practically, this means creating space for silence as well as song, entering worship not to impress but to receive, and opening your heart to the presence of God rather than the approval of men. It means remembering that every act of prayer, every note sung, every scripture read is a chance to hear His voice afresh. In this way, worship becomes not only an offering to God, but a training ground for the soul.

Thus Michael W. Smith’s words endure: “I’m learning how to hear God in worship.” Let them be heard not only as the confession of one man, but as a call to all who seek. For life itself is worship, and every step can be a lesson in hearing. And if we walk humbly, listening as we go, then indeed we will get better, not because of our power, but because the Spirit Himself is ever teaching us.