What has happened to praise? People go nuts at ball games, scream at music events, get awestruck with the famous, and shout with glee at electronic game moves. Put the same people in a position have anything to do with God and most go silent, seem ill at ease, or take some sort of religious posture.
In most churches is it better? Music is often performance where the group eyes the audience and the audience eyes the group while singing. If there is a gap for more than five seconds or so, no one seems to know quite what to do.
What if each of us knew Him well enough so we would spontaneously praise him, lift some arms or hands, or address him with our delight about something he has done or made? Or do we think he made anything? Do we think a Living God actually exists, is righteous, and loves mankind?
We believe the game being won is real. We see performances and shout because they are in front of us. We get tongue tied when the famous get close. Is your God not as real as those things? If not, why not?
The sketch below is actually one of two. When you take a look at it, realize it is a quick 20 minute sketch of what could be seen with my equipment. The colors would blow your socks off. The black dark lane’s definition is bold. The whole shape is so unique with a central star that gleams.
As I observe, I am ever conscious that He placed the object and gave it characteristics. You see…it is a point of praise. When I finished the evening, I had drawn something in the Eastern sky and something in the West. As I walked in my house, I thought about a stance of praise that I often take when observing. It is simple. I lift my hands and thank Him. I praise Him. This particular night I could have raised my arms and spread them when they were raised to point to each object. The were about 60 degrees apart. It’s about the angle a child’s arms take when he reaches for daddy or mommy with glee or love.
Have you ever done such a thing? Have you ever praised God with arms raised because of something you have seen that you know He made? Have you ever done this for something He has done? Have you ever had the urge to stop the car or stop walking and just lift two arms and praise Him?
Why not?
Most have not, but will do it for other things. Strange. That is certainly not what God intended for believers. If people honestly praised God themselves, then worship with a group or expressing love to God with people will not seem so planned, professional, and dry.
Please learn to praise God. In this day in age, it is direly needed. Substitutes have crowded in, and they will pass. God does not.
