It's Okay to Shout

I can't think of anything that has caused more division in good churches than worship style. I grew up in a church with a traditional style of worship; signing age-old hymns which I still enjoy. But my preference is contemporary worship with guitars and drums. Thankfully, we have both styles at Ogletown; giving us a cross-generational appeal that should be a cause for praise.

While we worship corporately as a church family on Sunday, we should never pass judgement on a person's worship style or preference (as long as it doesn't disrupt the service!). I've worshipped with hands held high toward my Savior in heaven. I've worshipped with my eyes closed in prayerful remembrance of what he's done for me. I've worshipped with tears streaming down my face in sorrow for my sins or in need of intervention from Him. In every case, it is me in my sinful state coming to worship a loving, gracious and merciful Father who allowed his only son to die so that I may live.

During Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Luke records that the disciples were praising God in loud voices. The Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke the disciples for making so much noise, to which he responded, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out (Luke 19:40)". Psalms 95, 98 and 100 all speak of making a joyful noise to our Creator. There is no need to question whether God is offended by exuberant praise directed toward him.

Whether your desire is to sing out Rock of Ages or Hail to the King (two very different worship styles!), what matters most are the words of praise to Him and the heart of worship we bring as we lift our voices toward heaven. God would rather hear our joyful noise than the stones any day.