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Reclaiming Joy in Worship

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

Many different moments may flood your mind when you think of things that bring you the greatest joy in life. Maybe it would be Christmas morning with your family as presents are being exchanged. It could be a short getaway with your spouse to a special place, or seeing your kids grow up before your eyes.  My prayer for us is that we would include in this category rich moments we have experienced in worship.  That our greatest joys would be infused with times of intimacy and deep communion with God.  The moments we authentically experience joy in God echo throughout the rest of our lives, and into eternity. Perhaps one of the reasons worship services in the modern church lack vibrancy and fail to exude with passion is that we have overlooked the importance of joy in worship.

John Piper clarifies what Christian joy is: “First, it is not an act of will-power, but a spontaneous, emotional response of the heart. Second, it is not superficial and flimsy, but deep and firm. Third, it is not natural, but spiritual.” This translates so beautifully into the corporate worship context. Worship that pleases the heart of God is not mechanical and restrained, but is saturated in zealous passion and affection for Jesus.  

Piper continues on the subject, “God is glorified most not merely by being known, nor by merely being dutifully obeyed, but by being enjoyed in the knowing and the obeying.” If our hearts are captured by God, out of gratitude our lives will in turn display Christ-like character. This type of joy in worship avoids being immature and merely cosmetic, but thrives with meaningful and significant praise.  Often time we focus on the perceptible forms of worship, because we want to believe that obvious forms of worship are overflow from inward affections.  Even though the form of worship is important, the joy overflowing from our hearts is central to biblical worship.  The joy we experience in worship is a spiritual joy, not natural happiness.  

God greatest source of joy is found in himself,  and everything he does is to glorify himself.  God invites us to join in his joy by bringing him glory as worshippers of Jesus.  We experience lasting Christian joy by placing our affection, our adoration and our hope in God alone.  As we lead God’s people in worship, my prayer is that our joy would be rooted in Christ and sustained by Christ alone.  May we would find exceeding joy in not merely knowing about God, but by enjoying God

Reflections:

Why is joy so important - so important God commands us to be joyful?

As a worship leader, have you led your church by modeling joy for people?

How do you find joy in the midst of tremendous pain and suffering?