ERUPTION OF JOYFUL PRAISES (excerpt from Joy Blossoms Among the Thorns)

August 16, 2024

Make a joyfulH7321 noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joyH7321 before the LORD, the King.

Psalm 98:4-6

98:4 Shout joyfully. A great cheer, greeting and welcoming a king (cf. Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:4–9). Break forth. The idea is that of an eruption of praise which could not be contained (cf. Is. 14:7; 44:23; 55:12).

MacArthur Study Bible

All the people and the earth itself erupt in praise at the coming of the great King. The instruments used to accompany the joyful singing are used in temple worship which indicates these cheers—these shouts of joy—are for the Lord Himself, the King of kings. Imagine the praises welling up inside the people until they could not be contained, bursting forth in a volcanic crescendo of joy! Perhaps this is the kind of praise Handel was trying to express as he composed the “Hallelujah Chorus.” We read an interesting article about the tradition of standing when the “Hallelujah Chorus” is sung or played. The tradition began because of the king of England’s response at the very first performance of Handel’s Messiah.

King George II stood up at the performance of George Frederick Handel’s “Hallelujah chorus” on March 23, 1743.

https://romanroadspress.com/2016/12/why-the-king-stood/

Was the king of England simply caught up in the emotion of a great musical work, or as a Christian, was he standing in honor of a King far greater than himself? Since he never explained his gesture, we will never know for sure. However, we agree with the author of the article mentioned above that we should stand in honor of the King of kings when His presence is announced!

Susie admits to having been reserved in her worship for much of her life. However, she is learning to embrace exuberant joy in the Lord. Do you tend to hold back when praising the Lord? Our Lord is a victorious warrior! He is our defender and deliverer. We are to make a joyful NOISE and SHOUT for joy! Do not be afraid to open up and express the joy you have found because you enjoy a relationship with the Almighty! Don’t hold back. ERUPT in joyful praise!

Father, we know there are times for reverence and quiet awe, but we also see there are times that require a volcanic crescendo of joy! Help us to not be shy about expressing the joy that fills us because of Your presence in our lives.

Worship while listening to or singing along with “The Hallelujah Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jvsK798Lbs