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Psalm 47:1-4  
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.

I understand that some people get carried away in corporate worship. Their individual expressions of worship detract others desiring to focus on God. But an honest reader of God’s Word would be hard-pressed to conclude that true worship is to be done with our hands in our pockets. Worship sometimes involves hand clapping and cries of joy.

Today’s psalm was composed for temple liturgy during high festival days. This song was to be sung when God’s people gathered for praise. This psalm does not call for emotion without substance. Theological truth pours through the verses. God chose us! God sovereignly works on our behalf! God is awesome! God is the great King over all the earth!

Truth produces emotion. It’s hard to think about the person of God and how He works on our behalf without showing some excitement and passion. Heartfelt worship increases our heartbeat…or should. So, regardless of your church tradition or your personality, take your hands out of your pockets, clap your hands, and shout to God with cries of joy.

Father, help me get over myself to worship You in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.