Can you cheer for God?

Oh the excitement of a Church gathering....let me start by saying that the church that I attend now is really learning to experience worship in a joyful and meaningful way. It has taken a long time but we are truly worshiping in the Joy of the Lord. I am amazed that the Bible speaks of worship gatherings with words like...SHOUT to the LORD, come let us sing for JOY to the LORD, PROCLAIM the word of the LORD among the people, CLAP your hands ALL the nations, and yet most of my heritage fail to see that worshiping the God of heaven and earth is to be a time of joy and excitement and wonder.

I know of places that if you clapped during the gathering the worship police would have a long conversation with you and tell you why that is not appropriate. Or better yet if they were in one of your gatherings and joy and celebration for Jesus actually broke out they would just get up and leave the gathering...that's nice. Here's my rant..there is a Church in a town near me that is known for not allowing the clapping excited worship environment (thinking that it is wrong to do such things)


But the funny thing is that they just had a big pep rally for their local football team at the church, (of course I am sure it was not in the 'official' place of worship) does that seem a little odd, or backwards? I am not against local fans or support for our kids...But we will stand up cheer and go crazy over 15 to 18 year olds playing a game and we will not even show any signs of life before the God of heaven and earth...I'm puzzled.

Could this be part of the draw to Jesus in our society and yet such a pushing away of the church?? people are looking for Jesus, but they are not looking in the churches...I wonder why?

Father, forgive us when we worship the creation more than the Creator, forgive us when our Joy for other things leaves us with little or no Joy for you. May our worship gatherings truly be full of Joy. Jesus you said that you wanted our Joy to be complete and may it be complete in you and in our worship to you.

Are you going to show God some Joy Sunday??

Peace.