Hindrances in Worship: Shout aloud to the God of Jacob

Psalm 81:1(b), "shout aloud to the God of Jacob!"

Do we really shout in worship? (I do if there are enough people in the room...and it sounds SO bad.)

During corporate worship (Church gatherings, conferences, etc.), it can be so awkward and uncomfortable to collectively "lift a shout" here in southern Indiana. What may seem like an act of spontaneous worship can come off as forced and contrived.

The majority of my shouting comes in my personal time of worship. Be it in the car or at home, I find myself surrendering myself to His presence when I can completely lean in to the Spirit. Do you find this to be true to yourself? If so, why is it easier to really, really worship in private than in corporate worship?

As a worship leader, it seems there's a very fine balance between engaging a congregation in worship and really surrendering to The Holy Spirit in personal worship, during a service. So many things are running through your mind. Here's my mental list at any given time during a set:
- What words come next? 
- Is the microphone even on?
- The next song... do I remember how it starts? What is the transition?
- Are my pants zipped? (All. The. Time.)
- I think the guitar came unplugged.... hurry up and find another instrument to listen to!

So many distractions. But here's the truth, friends:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

- Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV (emphasis added)

All those thoughts? Hindrances. Entangling. Distractions. Lies. Deceit. 

This is my prayer, that we may fix our eyes on Jesus. If we really are to fix our eyes on him, then whether our worship service be traditional or contemporary, or whether we are a member of the congregation or on the platform, do the rest of our distractions not fade away?

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus", Helen H. Lemmel, 1922.

So, if I'm in the light of His glory and grace, why do I care who sees me shout and get excited for the God of miracles?  

Throw off everything that hinders.... Look full in His wonderful face...

 This... Yes...