Letting it Show

And Mary said, “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46,47 (New American Standard Bible)

Mary is not waiting until she holds her promised child in her hands to start rejoicing…..she is expressing her praise now! She knows the importance and necessity of giving voice to the truth. Her very words are the expression of the praise already felt in her soul and spirit….the very essence of who she is. I am trying to picture in my mind her body language and facial expressions as she speaks such words of and to her heavenly Father. I picture her to be much like David in the Old Testament who had very lively moments of praise to God.

When we are passionate, excited, and intense about something or someone it shows on our faces. It is seen in the way we walk and talk. It affects our whole demeanor. I often wonder how the same people who are so animated and expressive at sporting events, get togethers, and special activities can be so passive and stoic in a worship service. I realize personality plays a lot into this, but even an introvert will laugh at a good joke, smile at the greeting of a dear friend, and reveal the joy of their heart by the expression on their face.

When you go to church, look around at others. What do their faces tell you? Is there a look of celebration over the goodness of God? Is the joy evident? Is there a hint of a smile? Most of the time? Some of the time? Any of the time? Or does it more resemble a funeral? I don’t say any of this to be harsh or judgmental. I actually say it with sadness and confusion. I really wonder why many worship services have been reduced to such somber and solemn assemblies. If our eyes are truly windows to our souls than our whole face (expressions and all) must be wide open doors!

Each day we should ask God to give us the outward expression that denotes a passionate, excited, and lively internal world that is consumed with Him. I am not talking about a fake, plastered on smile. I am talking about authentic joy spilling out of us in an evident, noticeable way. Take my word for it, people will not only notice it but they will comment on it as well. Why? Because it is so rare out in the world as well as in the house of God. May God help us to change!

Father, may You ignite such a passion in us today that there is a noticeable difference in our expression, words, and countenance. Amen.

Come, Now is the Time to Worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELdQ66LK5Qw&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.