Weeping and Shouting

Ezra 3:11

And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, 'for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever toward Israel', And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

 

 

What a glorious day! When the builders had laid the foundation for the temple, the priests came forward in their priestly vestments and with trumpets and cymbals. This was no small thing! It was a day of celebration! What had been denied them for so long was now coming to pass. The fervor escalated as they sang responsively, praising God for His love and His returning them to Jerusalem. People were shouting! Great shouts that were heard far away! Such unabashed freedom! Their praise was unhindered. But many of the older men who had seen the first house of the Lord wept with a loud voice. More raw emotion! There was nothing quiet about this day! Whether it was weeping for sadness over what once was and would never be completely duplicated, or it was shouting for joy for what was now, the sounds could not be separated. The raw emotions made the perfect blend of praise to God!

 

I treasure my times of corporate worship. What a joy is found in praising God together! But am I more concerned about others and what is the proper way to worship? Would I ever break out in shouting and loud weeping? I have felt it many times, but have held back. I know that my praise to God should not be hindered by any perceived social decorum and that it must be above all that!

 

Father,

Thank You so much for times of corporate worship, for singing glorious songs, and for praying together. Teach me to worship You exactly as you desire whether it means shouting and loud weeping or quietly seeking Your face.

In Him,

Amen