September 5

Shout for Joy

Scripture Readings for Today: Psalms 100:1-5 | Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14 | 2 Corinthians 8:1-15| Proverbs 22:20-21    

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 100:1-5

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness;come before him with joyful songs (Psalm 100:1-2 NIV).

The most enthusiastic worship experience I’ve ever seen took place in the fall of 1987. I lived in Minnesota then. The Metrodome in Minneapolis, now long gone, was the site of the worship experience. For weeks leading up to the event, there was talk about the possibility of this event happening. As the day arrived, it was all that people could talk about. People waited in long lines in order to get tickets to be a part of the experience, but there were too many people and not enough seats.  The rest of us had to worship at home in front of our TV’s.

Usually stoic Minnesotans were screaming, shouting, jumping up and down in excitement. They clapped, they “high-fived,” they waved banners. They were really into it. They were pegging the needles on the decibel meters. Everyone talked about how loud it all was—how exciting it all was.

For weeks following the worship event, it was all that people could talk about. It had made quite an impression. Unfortunately it was not the worship of our God.  It was the worship of another kind, the worship of baseball: The World Series where the unlikely Twins surprised everyone and won it all.

Now I have no particular problem with people enjoying sports, I do too. But the irony in this situation is that if you were to see the same people in their churches, there would be no excitement–no joyful shouting. I often wonder why.  

In light of the greatness of our God, in light of what Christ has done for us, should there not be a little shouting when we get together to celebrate his greatness and declare his worth?

Worship is not a time to mumble. Yes, there are times for quiet reflection and a whole variety of styles, but often it’s a time for joyful shouting—a time for joyful singing. We serve a great and awesome God and he is so worthy of our praise. Let us come with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts and let’s celebrate the greatness of our God!

Lord, when I think of your majestic splendor, my heart is filled with joyful songs of praise. I sing of your lovingkindness, I declare your glory, I shout the wonders of your grace. Lord, it is good to praise you! Amen.