When Worship Moves You

Praise Isn’t a Performance—It’s a Response

I used to worship small. I’d cry quietly, afraid to draw attention. But the more I learned about who God is—and who I am because of Him—the harder it got to keep it all in. Because when the Spirit of God fills you, it has to come out somewhere. For me? That sometimes means raised hands, loud singing, or even a little dance (depending on the shoes I wore that day).

Not because I’m trying to steal the spotlight, but because I remember the pit He pulled me out of. I remember who I used to be. And I know I didn’t set myself free—He did. So yes, I will praise Him like I mean it.

Sometimes that means tears. Sometimes that means shouting. Sometimes that means moving my whole body because my heart can’t sit still.

It’s Not Chaos—It’s Freedom

I know some people worry that expressive praise looks chaotic or irreverent. But let’s be real. We will jump and holler for a football team full of people who don’t even know our name. But when it comes to the God who saved us, we’re worried someone might think we’re being “extra”?

Here’s what I’ve learned: just because something is loud doesn’t mean it’s empty. And just because something is quiet doesn’t mean it’s deep. Real worship is led by the Holy Spirit—not by fear, tradition, or other people’s comfort levels.

Different Doesn’t Mean Disrespectful

Look—I’m not saying everyone has to dance. If you worship best on your knees in stillness, that’s beautiful. That’s holy. But just because your expression is quiet doesn’t mean mine is wrong. And just because someone dances doesn’t mean they’re putting on a show. Maybe they’re just overflowing. Maybe they’re praising with all their might, like David did, and they’ve finally stopped letting fear decide what their worship looks like.

So if you see me dancing, clapping, lifting my voice like I’m trying to wake heaven up—it’s not for you. It’s for Him.

He’s worthy of more than a whisper. He’s worthy of the shout, the dance, the tears, the song. So whatever your praise looks like—just make sure it’s real.