Let’s talk about praise and worship. I posted about it on Facebook and got some interesting responses. I’ve updated and expanded my thoughts in this article. As I was reading the Psalms, I noticed how much we’re encouraged to worship God. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on authentic worship.

Biblical Praise. We’re shown specifically how to praise God by clapping our hands, shouting to God, and singing praises to God (Psalms 47). When the ark of the covenant was being moved, it was accompanied by people singing, playing instruments, and dancing. David danced before the Lord, with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14). In Psalms, David’s focus turned from prayers for deliverance, guidance, forgiveness, and thanksgiving to songs of praise, especially in Psalms 144-150. David sings new songs to the Lord, plays on a harp of 10 strings, and sings praises on the harp to our God. In 148, all of creation praises the Lord. In 149, we’re instructed to praise God with a new song, in the assembly of the saints, with dance, with instruments, and even from our beds – we’re to sing aloud! This shows me that we’re to praise God privately and corporately with instruments of all kinds. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 150:6). There are similar directives in Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19, Acts 16:25, Hebrews 2:12, James 5:13, and 1 Corinthians 14:15. So, praise is scriptural, in both the Old and New Testaments.

Strange Fire. But in Exodus 32:19, when Moses came down from the mountain with the tablets, he saw the Israelites dancing before the golden calf. In their zeal, they turned to idolism. In Leviticus 8-10, Aaron’s sons offered “strange fire” or “unauthorized fire” before the altar, which got them killed by God! From the context and commentaries, it’s still not exactly clear what the strange fire was. But both of these accounts show me that praise and worship can also be misused. Nations and rulers rose or fell based on whether they were seen as evil or righteous in God’s eyes.

Dr. John McArthur hosted an entire “Strange Fire” conference about this subject, which he discussed with a panel of pastors and theologians. In recent years there has been debate surrounding the theology of the churches behind worship bands Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation Worship. Yet, those are the primary Christian worship bands used in most modern church worship services. Some say that endorsing this music may lead to heretical teachings and a departure from biblical truth, others say that it’s the heart of the individual worshipper that truly matters. These contrasting views are the crux that cause me to examine my worship.

From my observations, on one hand, we have churches where there’s almost no praise at all. Or as some say, no room for the Holy Spirit. People are stiff and seem afraid to worship. On the other hand, there are churches where the best vocalist and musicians are set up with the best sound equipment and the music tarries on until the crowd is drawn to their knees and tears. Yet, the theology behind some of the music is so detached from the truth of the Bible. Is it possible that churches in America are offering up “strange fire”? I’m not accusing or trying to be critical, just thinking out loud.

Personal Experience. When it comes to worship in church, I’ve had various experiences. As a child, I attended a Methodist church with my grandmother, but there wasn’t much singing or praising. Later on, I went to Catholic mass with my stepfather’s mother, where the services were more formal and traditional. Then, after my mom’s separation from her second husband, I started going to an Independent Baptist Church. There, we had a choir that sang from hymn books, accompanied by a few instruments. I also learned to read and memorize scripture, and I was eventually baptized there.

I lived with my dad for a summer during my middle school years. I went to a big evangelical church with a friend. For the first time, I heard contemporary Christian music like DC Talk’s “Jesus Freak” and thought it was cool. I also had an emotional experience at a camp there. But once I moved back with my mom, I didn’t go to church much. Sometimes I visited other churches with friends. During my last two years of Highschool, I moved back to the West Coast to live with my dad again. I joined a First Baptist Church and attended their youth group. Although the music wasn’t memorable, the sermons were inspiring and made me want to study the Bible more. I even started bringing my Bible to school.

Concluding Thoughts. Since I started taking captive the lyrics of each song I listen to, I feel like it’s hindered my worship, at least in the way that I used to do it (the more emotional type). I’m caught on the words and whether or not they are theologically sound, whether they are “me-centered” or “God-centered”. One thing’s for sure, though, I know that we are to never stop praising Him!

Overall, my journey through different churches and worship styles has shaped my understanding of worship and faith. I value the diversity of experiences and perspectives that each church brought into my life, and I continue to grow in my faith. But it has also left me questioning, what is proper worship to our Holy God? I invite you to share your faith journey, experiences and thoughts. Do you think there are any potential issues with contemporary worship music?

Now here’s an invitation to worship with what I’m listening to as I write this blog! Psalm 34 (Taste and See) by Shane & Shane

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