Color-Man, 1 July, Amman, Jordan

I’m watching three guys lead a youth worship service in a Baptist church here in Amman. One is on trumpet, one on the keys, and one on guitar. They are talented, but listless. I have the feeling that they are interesting fellows, but none of their faces communicate joy. The songs are all in minor keys. It’s not that they are joyless. The smiles return to the youths’ faces when they chatter amongst themselves. But there’s a worldwide apathy among my peers in worship. It’s the same at my own high school chapels. No one wants to sing those praise songs, or at least it doesn’t appear that way. When young people lead the service, we focus on maintaining a level of comfort and security. In the process we forget joy. It’s not a judgment on these kids. We all just need to learn to worship with as much joy as we play, if not more. New City in Chattanooga remains my standard for joyful worship.

Sam and I have talked about the power of optimism. Especially on this trip, it’s been crucial to remain positive. As Christians, we should have an honest and sobered perspective of the world. But we must live with uplifted spirits in the midst of it. Indeed, we have the most to be joyful about. That should translate into our lives and worship. After all, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Drew