Society has successfully taught us to repress our feelings. In learning good manners, we have become very tactful. Our basic human emotion confuses our individual personalities so that we never quite know whether to "keep it all in" or "let it all out." Sometimes, we get so mixed up about what we are to do with this inner being that we become moody, depressed or what is commonly called, "stressed out!"

Given opportunity, despite personality, each one of us wants to express our feelings. Even those who tend to be very quiet by nature have something that they will become quite vocal about. Have you ever happened upon someone like this and it really surprised you to see that they could become so expressive?

If we are Christians, what could be more exciting than our salvation? One brother in our local congregation was definitely not a conversationalist in social circles, but whenever he had an opportunity to testify in our services, he did it with fervor. His testimony was brimming with praise, and I have never seen a more contented or blessed man. He spent little time talking about his troubles, except possibly in personal prayer, but his life portrayed one who spent much time in praise and gratitude to God and to others.

Could it be that we are spending too much time on our problems and that we have crowded out the praise, honor and thanksgiving commanded in the scripture? Perhaps so many of those spiritual blessings we have been seeking, that overcoming power, or that daily victory, is being hindered because we have lost our praise.

All of us have probably observed those who can dominate a conversation with all of their personal problems and make everyone aware of their daily or weekly hassles, only to sit on the church pews in silence, except for possibly a long list of prayer requests. Sometimes, folks can become quite verbal at "prayer request" time, but backward at testimony service. Philippians 4:6 instructs us, "...With thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." If we compared the time given to thanksgiving and that given to asking, I am afraid it would be unbalanced. The entire atmosphere of a church service can be affected by the spirit of devotion, praise, worship and thanksgiving.

Very often, because of physical problems, or just the burdens of life, we tend to go to church services feeling down, hoping to be cheered up. Often we do get encouragement. We will all have these times. But much more could be accomplished if we encouraged ourselves before going to services, so we could be a blessing to someone else. When we go with a song, a thanksgiving, a prayer or a testimony, we will always add inspiration to a service.

The traditions of praising God in public worship by lifting up holy hands, singing and making melody in our hearts, having a ready prayer, a spirited testimony or an exhortation, are not just things to do to hold the Church together. They are individual manifestations of personal victories from the Lord. They are an expression of that close walk with the Lord. If it is a reality, it can't help but come out! If we live privately where we are responding to the Lord and His dealings with us, when we are in public, there will be an automatic response to worship and praise of Him.

Let's not suppress those outlets the Lord has given to us so naturally. If we do, really we are missing the blessings and victories that attend them. Revelation says: "They OVERCAME by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." Overcoming power in our lives comes by verbalizing our love for the Lord.

Don't be concerned with what others think. People make fools of themselves over many frivolous things. Be concerned with your desire to be blessed and the chance to encourage others of your brothers and sisters toward this "aliveness."

It is true that all of our public praise should be done in decency and in order. We should be careful that our timing of words and emotions are in the control of the Holy Spirit. God is not the author of confusion. It is also true that unless our personal life portrays a godly message, a public image of religious fervor will be less than impressive. It must first begin in the heart, in the home and in the personal prayer closet. If these are blessed, it will naturally extend beyond those bounds.

Each of us should consider our own contribution to the Church. To make it effective, we must each do our part. Praise is necessary. God wants it; He needs it; even commands it.

Let's consider: Do we respond to the true message of the songs by raising heart and hands to the Lord? (This is scriptural.) Do we contribute to public prayer with a real burden-bearing spirit or do we wait for others to carry that? (Prayer is not a gift.) Do we faithfully praise the Lord through public thanksgiving, testimony and agreement of the Word at every opportunity? These are all expressions of praise to the One who is worthy to be praised!

If we find ourself coming up short, remember that "...Praise is comely." (Psalm 33:1.) Or in other words, becoming. Praise graces and beautifies the Church. It is what makes it attractive to others.

All of us have emotions that God created to be released. Let's honor, praise and worship God from the depths of our heart and watch ourselves grow and the Church prosper!
[ The End ]