By Del Duduit
If you are a regular churchgoer, you have probably seen your fair share of those who praise the Lord in His house.
I’ve seen it too. From those who lift a single hand in praise to those who do an all-out sprint up and down the aisles. I could write a book about the different forms of praise and worship from tractional to out-of-the-ordinary. That’s not a bad idea. Hold that thought for later.
And perhaps you’re one of those who openly praise God and that’s fantastic!
Praise and worship should be genuine, spontaneous and without expectation on a return on investment.
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson, who is clutch when the game is on the line, told me that he didn’t always feel the need to praise the Lord.
When he was younger, he told me that he wanted to be demonstrative, but allowed his shyness to get the best of him.
But while at church camp, his pastor preached right at him he felt.
“He told us that Christians should worship God,” Evan said. “That they should show appreciation for His blessings. After that, I just felt led to do something about it.”
Just as his teammates and fans will cheer for Evan when he boots a game-winning field goal to send the Bengals to a Super Bowl, he should also demonstrate his gratitude to the Lord for saving him.
“I stuck my hands in the air and just worshipped my heart out,” he added. “It was an amazing feeling.”
Try it.
Not kicking a field goal but worshipping the Lord in public. Your honor and praise to the King of Kings will bring you joy and peace. It may not take away some of your troubles, but it will allow you to face the day knowing God is on your side and wants the best for you.
You can read more about Evan and other professional football players and their faith in Goal Line Devotions: Stories of Faith from NFL’s Best by me and from Iron Stream Media.