My husband has taken to watching The Price is Right every weekday morning at 9AM. I’m not sure why, but he calls it “The Happy Hour!” I call it “The Screamers Hour.”
I laugh at how excited people can get winning a dishwasher or a badminton table. Of course, then they get to go up on stage and try to win something bigger.
The other morning a contestant guessed the initial prize price correctly and went on stage to win a “bigger” prize. It was called a backyard ensemble and consisted of a lawnmower, edger, blower, power washer and an outdoor table and chairs. The contestant won, screamed, and jumped up and down, and I laughed. The contestant won a bunch of stuff to do yardwork and a place to rest after getting tired! (I know, I have a warped view of things.)
I always wonder what prompts people to get excited. I also wonder at times why people do not get excited.
If the world can get excited over ‘winning’ a dishwasher or backyard ensemble or sports game, why isn’t the church more excited about ‘winning’ eternal joy in the presence of the Lord God Almighty? Why aren’t we jumping up and down and screaming and shouting? Why do we so often come to church on Sunday and remain mute during worship or bored during a message? Why does the church have to put on a “show” just to get a reaction from us?
“You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” [Psalm 16:11 HCSB]
We are promised not just abundant joy in the presence of our LORD, we are promised eternal pleasures. Surely that should enliven us more than a power washer.
Matt Redmond wrote, “Ten Thousand Reasons.” We hear it often sung in church. It begins “bless the LORD oh my soul ….” If there are more than ten thousand reasons to bless the LORD, and if we will be singing His praise forevermore, shouldn’t we begin now?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
