The Dynamics of Praise
The Psalms present us with the spectrum of worship expressions. Just a few verses before Psalm 47, the instruction was for stillness and silences. Psalm 46:10 (ESV) “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Now Psalm 47 opens: Psalm 47:1 (ESV) Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! Why shouldn't we shout? We have an awesome King who rules and reigns. He is truly Lord of all and over all. Too many of God's people side with one end of the spectrum. They are always quiet or they are always loud. Why not both? Life presents us with many ranges of emotions and experiences. But we should never respond to God only how we are comfortable. Sometimes we need to do what may not come natural, whether it be shouting or silence. The truth is we all fall somewhere in the comfy middle between silence and shouting. I know for me, to sit silently before the Lord seems like an impossibility. ...