– Exodus 15
Just Sing baby!
There is an episode of the Cosby Show that I will always remember . . . Bill was in charge of getting the kids ready for school and instead of giving them a "normal" breakfast, he gave them big slices of chocolate cake. Of course, the kids were delighted and as they ate, the sang this song: "Dad is great! He gave us chocolate cake! Oh, Dad is great!"
I so enjoy this silly made-up song because it so clearly illustrates the way I used to be – the me that has gotten lost somehow in the responsibilities, stress, and seriousness of adulthood. But that spur-of-the-moment, rejoicing spirit is who God created us all to be. The ability to express ourselves in spontaneous joyful singing is one of His gifts that as children, we unwrap and use pretty much every day (usually at the top of our lungs). We need to get that joy back – I think it would please God and we would benefit from the daily release of jubilation as well.
Moses and the Israelites just witnessed God defeat Pharaoh's massive and mighty army in a way that was so awesome, and unbelievable, and I'm sure it absolutely blew their minds. I can just picture them all standing there with their collective jaws gaping wide open in disbelief, and it probably took several minutes of silence after it was all done for someone (probably a teenager), to yell "Wooo-Hooo!" That started a chain-reaction of jumping, and screaming, and yelling, and laughing, and crying, and dancing crazy jigs of joy.
The laughing turned to song . . . "God is great! He helped us all escape! Oh-Oh-Oh, God is G-R-E-A-T!"
Then one-by-one, everyone started adding their own verses and doing little "Jed Clampett" jigs – the gift and spirit of creative joy taking over and creating an overwhelming atmosphere of "Wooo-Hooo!" I bet even the most staunch, stuffy, prim, proper, and reserved Israelite was at the very least, tapping a toe or two. It was improv at its best - singing, and celebrating with no rules, no structure . . . just letting the Spirit of the Living God lead them in rejoicing and praising because of the wonder and the goodness and the grace of God.
When was the last time you sang a song of rejoicing to the Lord? Not an established song out of a hymnal, or someone else's radio-played rendition, but a true celebratory, spur-of-the-moment expression of gratitude and love, accompanied by a crazy whirling-dervish of a jig, or at the very least a jump or two with arms raised high. I bet God misses the silliness - the pure joy - the total abandon to the Spirit of laughter as an expression of thanksgiving to the God who has saved you, and raised you, and delivered you. A gift of Joy to your heavenly Father who holds your very breath in the palm of His hand. An expression of love to the One who Loves you so very much!
So what are you waiting for? Get off that couch; step away from that desk; put down that mouse, or laptop, or tablet. Raise your arms high, put some air between your feet and the ground (at least an inch), and let the gift of joy escape from deep inside you. Let God know that you know – that you understand that He is highly exalted, and that this "Woo-Hoo" moment is for Him!
Prayer
Woo-Hoo!
Have a blessed day everyone!
– Richard
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