Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 149:1-9
Hallelujah!  It’s one of those words you can’t help but shout or sing out really loud! You just can’t mumble Hallelujah. (O.K., now everyone in the house is awake).  Psalm 149 is one of those glorious Hallelujah psalms.  While your translation may say “praise the Lord” at the beginning and end of this Psalm, (which is what it means) I always bring it back to the original: “Hallelujah!”  It’s a word that you really don’t need to translate.  It works in most every language. Hallelujah!  (even now I can’t help but hear the Hallelujah chorus in my head—and every time I hear it I am filled with overflowing joy and praise, I have to sing along—I just can’t help it).

Most of my growing up years, I was in a church where everybody understood the word, Hallelujah!  Every Sunday was a celebration of joyful praise and worship.  People sang from their hearts and with enthusiasm (even those who could only make a joyful noise—but they weren’t a distraction). 

But not all share this enthusiasm.  I have been in many churches and have noticed that some have lost their joy.  I’ll never forget the shock I felt as a teenager when I was asked to sing a solo at another church.  It was a big church with lots of people.  As the worship service began, the organ played and I sang out at the top of my lungs: “A mighty fortress….”  All eyes turned toward me.  I broke the rules, I actually sang.  They only mumbled.  They couldn’t help but look at me.  Unfortunately, I’ve experienced that same thing many times since.

It’s almost Sunday.  It’s almost time to gather with the saints to celebrate the greatness of our God.  It’s almost time to sing joyful songs.  Get excited, shout, sing, and if they’ll let you … break out the tambourine and dance.  Go ahead; take a chance. After all, “the Lord takes delight in his people”.  Think about it: “The Lord delights in you”. Isn’t that reason enough to let go of your inhibitions? Come on, let’s sing and dance and shout, “Hallelujah!”  Let’s have church!

With Joy (and voices in my head singing Hallelujah…but please don’t tell anyone about that),

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture reading:
Psalm 150:1-6
I Chronicles 15:1-16:36
Romans 1:18-32
Proverbs 19:6-7