Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 150
150:1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!
150:2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
150:3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
150:4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
150:5 Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
150:6 Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Reflections
Not too often do you go to a church the encourages you to praise God with trumpets, lutes, harps, and pipe. However, the Psalmist seemed to not have an problem instructing people to praise God in a loud manner, using whatever instruments were at their disposal. Clearly, the expression of praise can be seen in many musical forms.
I only mention this, not because I care about people’s hangups on instruments in church, but because I want to encourage you that you can worship God in whatever expression you feel works. If you feel the drums best express the praise in your hearts then get a drum set. If you want to use a trombone, use a trombone. King David even suggested using symbols and gongs.
I have also seen people dance in worship. While I am incredibly type-A personality and have no rhythmic or dance abilities, other are not. If you feel the need to dance as King David did while bringing the Ark into Jerusalem then by all means, dance your heart out in praise to the Lord.