I’m watching a clip from the Mariner’s game #3 (I think), promoting tonights game #5 of the finals. I do not follow baseball but did enjoy a game in person about five weeks ago. Not being a giant fan of anything but Jesus, it was fun. Love the friends, food, and ambiance. Riding the Light Rail to the field was a good experience and I’ve done it since to downtown Seattle. The clip I’m looking at is, of course, a home run and the immediate hometown reaction is the fans jumping out of their seats with raised arms. Raising arms and hands is the human reaction to joy and surprise. That is what God appreciates – our joy and our surprise at His goodness. It is hard to see goodness on a hard day but God is always there. The view of a field of people celebrating might be a preview of Heaven. I know our dispositions vary. I’ve sat in church next to many a person mumbling songs with hope but not feeling joy. Their body language is upset. Then there is the usher in tight clothes boogying to the gospel tunes. She is also being herself with a different response to the praise and worship. I’m posting this just as a reminder that I heard this week about our differences. You do you and I’ll do me. God will always show up for both of us. He is never far. Psalm 145:18 states that, “The LORD is near to all who call on him” while the verse also says He is near to those who call on Him “in truth”. Psalm 34:18 (my fav today) promises that, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, “showing His closeness in times of sorrow. Psalm 73:28 declares, But as for me, it is good to draw near to God,”. Raise your hands or not – reach your heart out to God in worship and appreciation.
