Joy of the Lord
As I travel across the United States, I find myself preaching most of the time in Presbyterian churches. As an ordained Presbyterian minister, let me tell you, Presbyterians are not usually the most exciting folks when it comes to their corporate worship.
It finally had to happen, and, it did. I was preaching recently at Peace Church, a Presbyterian house of worship located in Goose Creek, S.C. I had just finished the children’s sermon and prayer with the kiddos when a four-year-old little girl stood up, raised both hands high in the air and shouted, “Yea!” She bolted down the center aisle of the church and then ran straight back to the laps of her parents.
This little girl didn’t shout “yea” because she was happy my sermon was over and was tired of listening to me. She was just excited to be in church and was having so much fun that she didn’t know what to do with herself! I wonder, why isn’t church like that for all of us? I challenge you the next time you’re in church and the sermon concludes, if you feel like it, raise your hands and shout, “Yea, praise the Lord!” You never know, you might just start a revival in your congregation!
The Psalmist in Psalm 71:23 (ESV) stated:
“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.”
Through the years I have learned that when a crisis situation comes upon a Christian, that person will either become bitter or better. I have learned too that as Christians age and reach their sunset years when death is near, they become grumpy and complain a lot or they grow sweeter and more at peace with their relationship with Christ. No matter what stage in life you are at, I encourage you to keep ever before you the remembrance of your salvation. Allow the realization of His redeeming power in your life to create such joy in the Lord that it is expressed through dancing, music, singing and serving.
