Deeper in WorshipSample

Day 17—Worship includes rejoicing with clapping and shouting

Devotional
Have you ever been present when something amazing happened that you just had to celebrate? Maybe the first time your child walked or rode their bike on their own? Maybe it was a success for your favourite sports team, or even hearing of someone you love achieving a major life milestone. When something incredible happens, you simply can’t stay silent; just saying something isn’t enough. It doesn’t express deeply enough the feelings you have. You need to shout and clap and release the joy and thanks you feel. That’s because your body is deeply connected to your heart and mind. As your heart feels and your mind thinks, so your body also wants to express. And those natural responses are a hard-wired part of worship. Psalm 47 (NIV) starts with the command for everyone to worship God with clapping and shouting. And again, it points to God’s majesty as the reason to do this. He is our reason for celebration! As you move your body and raise your voice to make noise, it is a public declaration that "I love God and I celebrate who He is and what He has done for me." And as you celebrate Him, you actually lift Him higher, honouring His name (Psalms 47:5 NIV). Your clapping and shouting do not happen alongside your worship; they are part of your worship. Saying words sometimes isn’t enough, so allow the joy of celebration to burst forth to God with shouts and clapping!

Prayer
Father, would You be glorified as I lift my voice and clap my hands for You? I thank You and celebrate who You are and all You have done for me! Amen.

Application
Find somewhere private and lift your voice to God. If you don’t have words, just start to clap and celebrate, and as gratefulness rises, call out your thanks to God. Go on, you can do it!

Sam Johnson