One of the things I"ve noticed about worship as portrayed in the Bible is that it affects every aspect of the human being. God requires that we love Him with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). This covers the emotional, the spiritual, the intellectual, and the physical sides of man don"t you think?. Worship definitely includes, but is not limited to, the emotions, the intellect, and physical expression. Seems like in the long run tho, it will be our will, not our emotions or natural understanding, which must give the commitment and stability to worship.
Some say that emotion and physical expression should play a very minor role in worship. Others say that they are not emotional or demonstrative by nature. Of course, people have different temperaments, but according to Mark 12:30 true worship involves all of a person, including the emotion that exists in everyone.
God is a God of emotions. Throughout the Bible He displays such emotions as love, joy, sorrow, and anger. When God appeared in flesh, we find Him crying at the tomb of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35) and over the city of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). We are created in the image of God, and we share the same emotions (Genesis 1:27)
There are those who say they are not emotional when they come to church . . .some of these folk are the very ones who lose their temper and scream at the children or kick the dog. Some of these can scream almost hysterically at football games. They will caress and embrace their loved ones and show emotion as to their well being. Yet these same people will tell you that emotion has no place in church. . . . they insist on formalism and ritual. The fact is that we are emotional beings. Emotion plays a part in every aspect of our lives, so why not in church? Of course, emotion is not the only component of worship. As I already said, reason is important also, and, most of all, our will must provide the control as it is controlled in turn by faith and by the will of God. Still, emotion should be a part of our worship. Emotion leads to physical expression. It is hard to feel intense emotion without expressing it. By itself, physical expression is only a small part of worship. Indeed, "bodily exercise profiteth little" (I Timothy 4:8). Yet, physical demonstration is a natural and inevitable result of emotion. When motivated by a sincere heart that has been touched by God, physical expression is a very important part of worship.
To prove that emotion and expression are essential elements of outward worship, we can go to both the Old and New Testaments. The Book of Psalms is full of expressions and examples of praise. The Psalmist said, "I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation" (Psalm 111:1). How did he praise God in the congregation (in church)? Here are a few examples taken from the Book of Psalms: lifting of hands (141:2), singing and playing musical instruments (33:2-3), making a joyful noise (95:1-2), clapping hands (47:1), and dancing (149:3). Psalm 98:4 tells us to make a joyful noise, to make a loud noise, to rejoice, and to sing praises. For those who are reluctant to praise God in this manner, the Psalmist says, "Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD" (150:6).
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
i can't imagine worship without emotion. when you think of the sacrifice Jesus made for you, when you feel the Holy Spirit stir your soul, when you think of what you have waiting for you when you are called home to Heaven-- how can you not become emotional. if i don't feel something when i enter into worship, something has changed-and since God is unchanging, guess who has. i believe Christians should be the happiest people on the earth, and it should show--in your worship, your songs of praise, and on your face. some people need to realize that a smile won't really crack their face!!
__________________
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work ~Isaiah 54:16
I am not the emotional type but the only time I feel real emotion is when in worship with God... now I know why. Thanks for the post.
I probably would also describe myself as the unemotional type, but that would'nt be entirely true. What I am is "reserved" and in a group setting it can be hard to let go of my reservations because of being "self " conscious. Remembering that the Lord wants us to praise Him with everything we are and have, leaves no room for "self" consciousness.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
I believe that emotion comes when one truely and fully has given his heart to the Lord. I have been completly overcome in church services, simply because I could feel the overwhelming Love of my Lord and Savior filling me and holding me. My friends, and brothers and sisters, I can tell you of no other or better feeling in the world than having Christ hug you , give you a kiss on the cheek, and tell you everything is forgiven. But I know it does happpen, and yes, it brought me to tears, and the joy is indescribable. The closest I can come to describing it is when I have had a really ,really bad day at work, and when I get home my son run up to me without a word and grabs me around my legs and hugs me. He then climbs up me , puts his forehead up against mine and looks me in the eyes and says ( the best he can ) I love you daddy , and kisses me then falls on my shoulder and hugs me really hard.
I can think of nothing closer to Christs' Love. Pure and with out any hidden motives or costs.
My friends, and brothers and sisters, I can tell you of no other or better feeling in the world than having Christ hug you , give you a kiss on the cheek, and tell you everything is forgiven. But I know it does happpen, and yes, it brought me to tears, and the joy is indescribable.
Michael
That is wonderful Michael. And it comes sometimes at the least expected time and places. I long for His touch as well.
2 Cor. 1; 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Emotional Worship
