When I was in high school my best
friend’s mom moved her family from our home church to a local Pentecostal church. I began visiting that church with her from
time to time and there was something different there that fed my soul. These folks, unashamed, praised the Lord
openly and extravagantly. Hands clapped
and raised toward heaven. Drums played,
cymbals clanged. Joy filled the faces
making them shine like the sun.
In the model prayer Jesus taught us
the very first thing he does is Praise God with “hallowed be thy name.” I’ve often wondered why it is so easy for us
to cheer on our favorite sports team or sing out loud and strong with fists
raised high at our favorite concert but we hold back those emotions when we
come to worship.
Psalm 47 is an example of Praise for
our God. “Clap your hand, all you
people! Shout joyfully to God with a
joyous Shout! Because the Lord Most High
is awesome, he is the great king of the whole world.” (vs. 1-2 CEB)
Reverence in God’s sanctuary is
important and there is certainly a place for that. There is also a place for
clapping and being joyful. Make room for
both. Thanks be to God.
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