How do we worship? What are we “allowed” to do while still being reverent before the Lord, worshiping in spirit and truth? What is God's desire for our worship? Does He give us the right to pick and choose how we worship?
Over the course of this multi-part devotional, we will discover and learn the ways that we can actively worship God when we come together as the gathered Church. We are told in Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth that our mere existence, even eating or drinking, can be worship to God; so we understand that our worship is not confined to a time or a place—it is a lifestyle. This mini-series is intended to develop our worship as it pertains to the intentional physical and spiritual acts that we do during our worship. Granted, these things can (and should) be done whether we are at church or not. My hope is that churches and believers everywhere, will experience true freedom in worship together—a glimpse into what heaven may be like one day. God desires us to worship in this way. Let’s learn together.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
Part 7: Our Hands - Clapping
"Clap your hands, all of you; raise your voices joyfully and loudly. Give honor for the True God of the universe.” Psalm 47:1 (VOICE)
"Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth.” Psalm 98:8-9a (VOICE)
When clapping in worship is mentioned in scripture, it is mentioned as a way to give honor to the Lord. By definition, in context, clapping can be used to express approval or show a joyful response to an event or situation. Clapping is also used to encourage or praise a person or object; so people would applaud the rulers and kings in power over them. Years ago, it was very normal to simply clap along to music, just like when we tap our feet along to the beat. The word “clap” used in Psalm 47:1 is the Hebrew word, taqa’ — an emphatic expression of joy or an exultation. We clap because God is our Lord and Savior, the King, and we clap because of all that He has done for us.
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