The Joyful Noise

Worship is so much more than a way to “set the mood” in a church service. It is a way that we can connect to God. Worship can look like joyful exultation, thanksgiving, spiritual warfare, giving glory to God, setting our eyes on Him in hard times, and so many other ways. Over and over again in the Bible, we see individuals offer worship to the Lord as a natural response to whatever is happening in their life. However it may look, there is freedom of expression in our worship.

In Islam, worship is mandated, and the “how” is dictated all the way down to which direction to face. The Call to Prayer blasts from mosque minaret towers five times a day. There are even particular prayers for each time throughout the day. Their worship becomes mindless recitations of going through the motions.

What a joy it is to serve a God who delights in our diverse demonstrations of worship; Sitting or standing, arms outstretched or at our sides, eyes open or closed, on our knees or dancing, in a corporate setting or solitude, and with shouts of joy or in silent awe.

Prayer

Thank You, God, that we can express our love and devotion to You in so many ways through worship. Lord, I pray for Muslims who have grown disillusioned by going through the motions of their religion. Would You open doors for them to learn what worshiping the One true God can look like? Show them the many ways that chains are broken through Christ.