God appreciates and acknowledges our applause (thanksgiving) but He is moved by our standing ovation (praise and worship).

A standing ovation is a form of applause where members of a seated audience stand up after an extraordinary performance or an enthusiastic recognition of a person as he enters or exits.  A few months ago, in my personal time of worship, the Lord brought this picture to my mind.

Picture yourself in an arena or a stadium waiting to honor someone you adore.  There is laughter, conversations and the sound of noisemakers; it’s an atmosphere of celebration.  As the honoree walks onto the stage, everyone applauds to welcome the person.  He acknowledges and takes a seat.  While the speaker introduces the person and talks about his contributions to society, people applaud on and off.  Almost everyone in the crowd has a personal story to tell.  The speaker finishes his speech with a touching personal story of his own.  The audience applauds once again in appreciation.  Some go beyond applause and start to whistle and a few others start to shout what the person meant to them.  Before long the crowd is on their feet clapping, whistling and shouting with joy.  The honoree waves his hand in acknowledgment.  As the crowd goes wild, he stands up and waves his hand again to acknowledge them.  

Every child of God has a personal story to tell about what Jesus has done.  Our spontaneous outbursts of praise and worship will encourage others to worship God.  Psalms 68:1 says, may God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him (KJV).  Imagine God rising up from His throne as we worship.  We read in 2 Chronicles; when people worshiped, God moved and the enemies fled.

King Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness when they faced the enemies.  As they began to sing and praise, the Lord moved, he set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir (2 Chronicles 20).

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise (Psalms 100:4a). Our Lord is worthy to receive a standing ovation not just a clap offering.  Enter the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus and worship the King of Kings.