I've had the opportunity to lead worship in diverse settings during the past 16 years of leading worship. I've been in gatherings where people lift their hands, clap, shout, and even dance. I've also led in settings where people were not comfortable doing any of those things, or even sing out loud.
But, you see, worship is not about us being comfortable. It is about God being glorified and honored. It is about us drawing closer to God and giving Him His "worth-ship".
I've heard someone say a while back that they worship in their heart, because worship is not about the outward expression. The problem with that statement is that God's Word calls us to outward expression:
"Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!" -Psalm 47:1 (ESV)
"Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!" -Psalm 134:2 (ESV)
"So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands." -Psalm 63:4 (ESV)
"Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!" -1 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV)
Most of us have no problem lifting our hands, shouting, singing, and clapping at a concert or a football game. We get excited! We love to cheer for our favorite team or band! We want to engage in that moment and give it all we've got!
How much more does God, the Creator of the universe that brought us out of darkness into light, deserve our all-out expression of worship!
I want to encourage you: don't hold back! Give it your all when we gather together to worship! Because He deserves it!
Of course, in our discussion of this topic, we also should be mindful of how we navigate the inclusive worship minefield.