I am neither a hand raiser or a hand clapper in worship services. That is not the background from which I came. Others may do what they feel comfortable doing, that is okay with me. But I am more subdued in my worship.
I've been reading the story of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. He was one of the few "good" kings either Israel or Judah had; good because of his dependence on God.
The leaders of Moab and Ammon threatened Judah. They came with a vast army and made it known that their objective was to defeat Jehoshaphat and subdue the people. Because he was one of the good kings, Jehoshaphat immediately consulted with the Lord, proclaimed a fast and encouraged the people to come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.
They had quite a time. One of the highlights was the King's eloquent prayer in which he admitted that he and the people had no power against this invading army. "We do not know what to do," he prayed, "but our eyes are on you."
The prophet Jahaziel spoke, challenging the king and the people with the words that God had given him. "Do not be afraid," he said. "This battle is not yours, but God's."
They had prayer, then preaching, and then praise. Jehoshaphat and all the people bowed down in humility and quietness before the Lord. Then a bunch of Levites leaped up and began shouting very loudly their praises to the Lord.
Could it be that God brings different people together in worship? Some quiet and reserved; others boisterous and lively? And could it be that it is okay to be quiet and reserved, and it is okay to be boisterous and lively, so long as all of us are focusing on our God and His greatness?
Just a thought from a non-clapper, non-hand raiser who loves and praises God as much as the loudest and most boisterous worshiper.
No comments:
Post a Comment