CLAMOROUSLY FOOLISH
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150 (NIV)
There are seven Hebrew words in the Old Testament for worship, each revealing a distinct aspect or expression of it. The one we’ll consider today is halal, defined in Jewish tradition as: to shine, boast, celebrate, to be clamorously foolish before the Lord. As I read today’s Scripture a few times, I can almost feel the energy and excitement of the writer. This is the last of the Psalms, and what a way to end that whole book of prayers and songs!
In the 1994 World Cup, Belgium beat the Netherlands 1-0. The reason I remember this is that I was in Brussels when it happened (which is ironic, since the USA was hosting the World Cup that year, and the game was being played in Florida). Walking through the Grand-Place (main square), there was no doubt who won. People and cars were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, followed by an eruption of celebration I had never experienced before. Dancing. Singing. Yelling. Music. To say that the city was clamorously foolish is an understatement!
There are experiences in life that cause pain and anguish—the death of a loved one, the wayward child. But there are also times meant for celebration. Jesus has won the final victory over the enemy. One day, He will return to restore all that was lost. Yes, let’s remember loss and heartache. But may we also celebrate as we think about new life in Christ and the hope we have for tomorrow. Praise the Lord.
APPLICATION: Name at least one significant way God has worked in your life. Think about that throughout the day. Ask Him to fill your heart with joy and celebration.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for victory. Today, I celebrate and praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness to me. I pray You’d help me think about who You are and how You’ve worked in my life. Move me toward times of celebration so I can shine and boast and praise Your name. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?