Go Ahead - Jump on the Bed!

Psalm 149 is bookended by “Praise the Lord” so I'm pretty sure the main point is to… praise the Lord. Oftentimes we associate being a Christian with quiet solemnness, when in reality we should be shouting “Hallelujah!” It's a great thing to have such a loving and generous God and we should use all means necessary, including singing and dancing, to praise him.

I know for me it takes a lot to get my feet moving and my hands in the air. I grew up in the Catholic Church where the most we do is sit, kneel and stand (a lot).  The first time I saw people clapping and waving their arms during worship I thought “how oddly wonderful.” I wasn't ready yet, but hoped that one day I’d feel comfortable enough to let go and really praise him. I absolutely love contemporary worship songs, though I still glance around to see what others are doing and if I “fit in.”

I miss the days of childhood when anything goes. When we haven't yet grown weary or concerned about what others think. We do what we want because it's fun. While reading today's passage the following verse leapt off the page:

Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor
    and sing for joy on their beds. (v. 5)

Remember jumping on the bed?? Most of us were told not to, but it was FUN! I love the memories of my kids singing and shouting while jumping on their beds. Imagine if we abandoned what was “right” and practical and sang for joy while we jumped on the bed! I think God would enjoy seeing his children this way.

For the Lord takes delight in his people, (v. 4)

God loves us and wants us to rejoice in that love. Lord, let us be more childlike and jump for joy shouting “Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!”

And who knows, maybe one day you’ll see me praising Him without inhibition (though I'm pretty sure my teens will be rolling their eyes).