shouts of joy

Today's Life Journal reading includes Psalm 47.  Here is part of that psalm:

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth!

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.

We had an amazing worship celebration on Easter Sunday.  We sang praises to God, we rejoiced in the truth of the Gospel, we ate the Lord's Supper together, we welcomed in many new people.  It was a glorious day!

I received a "suggestion" that morning from a visiting older gentleman.  He wondered if we would consider lowering the volume of the music about 5 decibels for next year's Easter celebration.  It is not uncommon that I receive feedback on the music on Sunday, since I am married to the Worship Pastor and he is often busy.  And usually the comments are overwhelmingly positive!  But every once in a while someone corners me with a criticism.  I do my best to respond with love and grace.  But on this day, on Resurrection Sunday, I just couldn't help but say what I really think!  

So I responded with a smile and said, "We just can't worship the Lord loud enough!"  To which the gentleman replied, "But you know, God can hear a whisper".  And I said, "Yes, but the psalms don't say worship the Lord with a whisper!  They call us to sing and shout His praise!!"  

I'm taking this morning's reading as a confirmation that we at Norkenzie can just keep on praising with all of our hearts, all of energy, with songs and shouts of joy!