Monday
Have you ever wondered if it’s alright to shout and clap and make noise during a worship service?
Well, Psalm 95 would certain indicate that we can and should. Yes, there are times in worship when silence and be still is appropriate for worship, but it is equally important to let God know that you praise Him. Why is it so much easier for us to shout and yell at sports events, call out praise and adulation to humans over their efforts, but it is not acceptable in worship. No fist pumping, no applause, it is even hard to get someone to raise their hand in holy surrender before God. But not so at a ball game. This psalm tells us to “shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (vs 1, underline and italics mine). Your version might say, “make a joyful noise to him”. I don’t know about you but noise does not sound like being quiet.
We sing a Rend Collective song in our church called “Build Your Kingdom Here”. It is a foot stomping, hand clapping song. We even have a Jingling Johnny that we use. Now let me tell you the church is praising God with joy, and shouts to the God who is our Rock and our Salvation. I feel like an “amen” is needed here.
Let us not forget to sometimes let our joyful praises to God be heard so that the world will want to know what is so exciting, what is so wonderful. And maybe, just maybe they might want to be a part of it. After all isn’t God more worthy of praise than your “home team”?
Singing and shouting God’s praises
Pastor Kathy