MARCH 6
Psalm 47:1, “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!”
One of the highlights of my trips to Uganda was preaching in the village churches. Each church was unique in its own way—some larger, some smaller, some more rustic, but none ever refined. Most had dirt floors, and many lacked doors or windows. Instead of comfortable church seating, adults sat on wooden benches or plastic lawn chairs, and children gathered on the floor. The bathrooms were located outside, and you’d want to take a deep breath before entering.
Despite the lack of modern comforts, the people’s passion for worshiping Jesus remained undeterred. They walked, sometimes from far away, to come together in praise. Once they arrived, they would stay for hours. But no one was watching the clock.
The churches lacked many of the amenities commonly found in American churches. There were no hymnals, chorus books, or PowerPoint screens to display lyrics. Instead, they sang songs passed down through generations or ones they had written themselves. They didn’t have a piano or guitar, but a couple of drums set the rhythm. There was no sound system to amplify their voices, but they didn’t need one—because their voices were powerful enough. And they sang with everything they had.
They sang, they danced, and they worshiped with heartfelt enthusiasm. They worshiped as though they truly meant every word. And they did! They weren’t afraid to clap their hands, wave their arms, or dance with joy. There was no such thing as a loud voice that didn’t belong—everyone sang with passion. After witnessing that kind of vibrant worship, I couldn’t wait to preach!
Some of the differences in worship style are cultural, but the enthusiasm of our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Christ is something that should transcend any culture. It is truly good to worship as if we mean it. The glory of God is something to be celebrated with great joy!
Worship as if you mean it, with heartfelt enthusiasm and joyous praise!
Application Questions: How can you incorporate more enthusiasm into your own worship, whether in a church service or in your personal spiritual life? In what ways can you embrace different worship styles while ensuring that the heart of worship remains focused on honoring God?
LookingtoJesus 