I'm wondering where the idea of "restrained worship" came from. Perhaps the admonition to do things "properly and in an orderly manner" (1 Corinthians 14:40) has been a bit overdone. The Psalms, in contrast, seem to indicate that worship should have more in common with sporting event frenzy.
"O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms" (Psalm 95:1-2)
In two verses "joy" is mentioned three times. Joy is associated with exuberance and energy; unbridled enthusiasm. But, joy cannot be conjured. I've sat in worship services where the primary role of the worship leader or team seemed to be that of spiritual cheer leader. Admonishing the congregation to "sing like they mean it" seemed unnecessary, in that they truly were!
Joy is evidence of the work and presence of Holy Spirit ("the fruit of the Spirit is .. joy - Galatians 5:22). Fruit can't be forced. In due course of watering, fertilizing, and sunshine, fruit eventually comes. Similarly, joy results as Holy Spirit within brings it forth in its season.
Singing with joy to God our Father, and shouting joyfully to Him can be artificially stimulated, but it will lack authenticity. When we have cultivated a deep, personal relationship with Him through His Son, our Savior Yeshua, joy springs forth as naturally as fruit on a tree. Thanksgiving and praise are as natural as breathing when Spirit-inspired.
It is interesting that the Psalmist admonishes "us" to come before Him with joy and thanksgiving. Joy, worship, and praise originate individually, but they are to be expressed collectively. Personal praise is important, but corporate praise is a priority.
Coming before our Father in joyful praise and thanksgiving is the ideal. But, if joy is lacking, it likely has less to do with worship song selection, and more to do with personal spiritual vitality.
Corporate worship gatherings provide excellent opportunities to evaluate personal praise. Is group worship a time to make up for what is lacking personally, or a forum for expressing the abundance of personal praise?
Joy is not synonymous with happiness, nor is it necessarily equated with worship energy. But, it is the optimistic quality of victory as seen through kingdom eyes that ideally should permeate every group gathering. May that spirit of optimism abundantly overcome any and all challenges in your life today, such that you have ample reason for great joy in your next group worship gathering.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
"O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms" (Psalm 95:1-2)
In two verses "joy" is mentioned three times. Joy is associated with exuberance and energy; unbridled enthusiasm. But, joy cannot be conjured. I've sat in worship services where the primary role of the worship leader or team seemed to be that of spiritual cheer leader. Admonishing the congregation to "sing like they mean it" seemed unnecessary, in that they truly were!
Joy is evidence of the work and presence of Holy Spirit ("the fruit of the Spirit is .. joy - Galatians 5:22). Fruit can't be forced. In due course of watering, fertilizing, and sunshine, fruit eventually comes. Similarly, joy results as Holy Spirit within brings it forth in its season.
Singing with joy to God our Father, and shouting joyfully to Him can be artificially stimulated, but it will lack authenticity. When we have cultivated a deep, personal relationship with Him through His Son, our Savior Yeshua, joy springs forth as naturally as fruit on a tree. Thanksgiving and praise are as natural as breathing when Spirit-inspired.
It is interesting that the Psalmist admonishes "us" to come before Him with joy and thanksgiving. Joy, worship, and praise originate individually, but they are to be expressed collectively. Personal praise is important, but corporate praise is a priority.
Coming before our Father in joyful praise and thanksgiving is the ideal. But, if joy is lacking, it likely has less to do with worship song selection, and more to do with personal spiritual vitality.
Corporate worship gatherings provide excellent opportunities to evaluate personal praise. Is group worship a time to make up for what is lacking personally, or a forum for expressing the abundance of personal praise?
Joy is not synonymous with happiness, nor is it necessarily equated with worship energy. But, it is the optimistic quality of victory as seen through kingdom eyes that ideally should permeate every group gathering. May that spirit of optimism abundantly overcome any and all challenges in your life today, such that you have ample reason for great joy in your next group worship gathering.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 9:20 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home