Shabâch

One of the 7 Hebrew words for "praise" is the word Shabâch.

It means to address in a loud tone. To shout. To commend, glory and triumph.

One of the verses I go to often when thinking about this word is Psalm 145:4—

One generation shall shâbach your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

Psalm 145:4

Praise is a loud, bold, audible, and visible declaration of the character and story of God.

And in this context, it's a declaration from the older generation to the younger.

In a parenting book I read once (What Kids Need Most in a Dad), the author made the case that one of the most important things that we can do for our children is give them enthusiasm. 

Evidently scripture couldn't agree more.

As I'm beginning to forecast the day where I may pass the torch in my worship ministry to the next generation, I'm challenged by this verse to never let my age diminish my passion and enthusiasm in worship.

But no matter what the excuse is—age, nerves, lack of sleep, insecurity, self-consciousness, an unresponsive congregation—this scripture charges us to praise with fervor.

I've told my worship team before that sometimes you need to tell your face what your heart feels.

Tell your legs what your mind knows.

Tell your hands what your spirit senses.

At times we can hold back, be reserved, or let our countenance drop. At times (being brutally honest) we can look bored on stage—eyes fixed to the confidence monitor, smile absent, feet still, body stiff, arms down.

I'm convinced a large part of our role on stage is to help lead our congregation to a place of zeal for the Lord. And our guitars or mics don't even need to be plugged in to do this.

I actually encourage new team members to not plug in their instruments or mics for the first few times they're on team, especially if they're still in development. The most important way they can lead worship, I'll tell them, is through their body language, not their parts or harmonies.

But, Devan, what if I don't feel natural or comfortable raising my hands, dancing, or clapping? Wouldn't it be "inauthentic" to put on a face? (See my post on "The Myth of Authenticity") TL;DR It's not inauthentic, it's a formational spiritual practice that is forming you (and your church) into a person of passion.

So get over yourself.

Be obedient to scripture.

Let loose.

Shabâch like it's 1985.