- Worship is supposed to be spiritual (John 4:23-24), but that spiritual worship, if real, is undoubtedly going to express itself physically. Some people think that what we do or don’t do with our bodies during worship doesn’t really matter, but that’s just not true.
- Ex. Your kid does something wrong and as he apologizes (“I’m so sorry - I shouldn’t have done it - it’ll never happen again”), he is slouched on the couch and his eyes never leave the TV. Is it real repentance? Possibly, but the body cues point against it.
- Ex. In a similar way, think of trying to pray a sincerely humbling prayer while slouched in a Lazy-Boy. It’s not impossible, but it’s pretty difficult, because how we’re using our body affects us spiritually.
- Study: people who forced a smile found that their attitude improved. I’m not talking about forcing anything here, but simply making the point that our body affects our spirit.
Worshiping From Our Lazy-Boy:
1. We can raise our voices in song.
- Psalm 95:1-2.
- Also, Psalm 81:1; Isaiah 30:29; Mark 14:26; Acts 16:25; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; James 5:13; Revelation 5:19.
2. We can shout our praise.
- Psalm 95:1-2.
- Amen - Deuteronomy 27:15; Nehemiah 5:13; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Revelation 22:20.
- Shouting - Leviticus 9:24; Joshua 6:20; 2 Samuel 6:15; 1 Chronicles 15:28; 2 Chronicles 13:15; 2 Chronicles 15:14; Ezra 3:11; Psalm 5:11; Psalm 47:1; Isaiah 12:6; Zephaniah 3:14; Zechariah 9:9.
3. We can speak words of honor.
- Psalm 95:3-5.
- Also, Psalm 21:5; Psalm 48:1; Psalm 66:2; Psalm 96:6; Psalm 104:1; Psalm 104:1; Psalm 111:1-10; Hebrews 13:15.
4. We can humbly bow down.
- Psalm 95:6.
- Also, 2 Chronicles 20:18; Psalm 146:8; Isaiah 45:23; Ephesians 3:14; Philippians 2:10.
5. We can clap our hands.
- Psalm 47:1.
- Also, Isaiah 55:12.
6. We can lift our hands.
- Psalm 63:3-4.
- Also, Genesis 14:22; 1 Kings 8:54-55; 1 Timothy 2:1-8.
- reasons: prayer and praise.
Reasons For Holding Back:
- it’s important to note that this is not “Gestapo Praise” where you’re forced to do it. These are each ways that the Spirit may move us. One particular way may not be something that we’re inclined to do - everyone is different. The problem, however, is that often times we don’t give all ourselves in worship and it’s not for legitimate reasons, but because we’re being disobedient.
- Psalm 95:8-11.
1. Other’s opinions.
2. Tradition.
3. Pride.
