Can’t Stop the Feeling
A few summers ago, my wife and I were in California for a family wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony for two people head over heels in love with each other. People smiled, chatted quietly, and watched the happy couple as the bride and groom swayed on the dance floor to their first dance.
Then suddenly, the music came to an abrupt end. Out of nowhere, all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen rose to their feet. So did other parts of the wedding party. Each person headed to the dance floor as the speakers blared, "Can't Stop the Feeling!" Right before our eyes, a flash mob broke out with people singing and dancing in unison. Onlookers couldn't help but smile and tap their feet - some even joined them on the dance floor.
Reading today's passage in 1 Chronicles 16, you'll find yourself amid a spiritual flash mob where people come together to worship. Look at all the examples of community contained within it:
Sing to the Lord, ALL THE EARTH; proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the NATIONS, his marvelous deeds among ALL PEOPLES.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
Ascribe to the Lord, ALL YOU FAMILIES OF NATIONS, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Tremble before him, ALL THE EARTH!
The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say AMONG THE NATIONS "The Lord reigns!" 1 Chronicles 16:23-31
Indeed, worship isn't confined to a few songs on Sundays inside a specific building. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Worship can break out anywhere at any time. But, that doesn't diminish or lessen the importance of the church gathering together to declare God's faithfulness.
Matthew 18:20 reminds us that when two or three gather in Christ's name, He is there. Something powerful takes place when we lift a united chorus of praise. It awakens our souls. It keeps our eyes focused on Him. It encourages us to keep going and taking steps of faith. It rallies us around a unified mission. And, through all of that, our joy gets multiplied.
It seems fitting that the song the wedding flash mob danced to include the lyrics: "I got this feelin' inside my bones. It goes electric, wavy when I turn it on. ALL THROUGH MY CITY, ALL THROUGH MY HOME. We're flyin' up, no ceilin', when WE in OUR zone."
Worship is more than music; it's a lifestyle. We declare God's praises through how we live our lives, treat others, and serve our communities. We're better together.
Reflection
How can you join the chorus of our community by declaring God's faithfulness today through worship?
Prayer
God, I will join my voice with others and declare Your goodness and faithfulness. Let our praises be seen not just with a song but through humble service and contagious compassion. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.