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One verse hit me between the eyes this morning. Verse 19 says, Do not put out the Spirit’s fire. I am guilty of this more times than I’d like to admit. For many reasons, but mostly because of my past upbringing and, quite frankly, it makes me uncomfortable, I have in the past dampened the Holy Spirit’s movement in my life. A great example of this is during worship in church. I grew up in a very conservative denomination and I have a very hard time raising my hands. I know this is silly, but my mind goes back to a place in my past where outward expression in church was unacceptable. Over the years I have gotten better; at least now I’m not uncomfortable when people around me are able to do it. In fact, I am now envious of people around me who are able to fully let go and let the Holy Spirit move in them… Maybe one day I’ll be able to join them.
Daily Devotion 
Don’t forget though that we are all made differently with different personalities. Obviously if you don’t feel that you are giving your all to God, that you are holding yourself back due to self consciousness, then that is something to address. But some people just don’t praise God that way. Often times I find myself just sitting, taking it all in because that is what my heart honsestly wants to do. As Galations 6:4 reminds us, don’t compare yourself with others. Pay attention to what God is doing in you and with you. Perhaps he does want you on your feet, jumping around….but keep in mind maybe not. Just pay attention to him and get yourself, and more importantly, others out of the way and see what God does personally on your heart. Keep us posted on this part of your journey.
Totally agree, Sarah! I’m talking about holding back because of my self-consciousness of people around me. Raising your hands is not what’s important, it’s when you suppress the Holy Spirit’s prompting because of past baggage that it bothers me to hold back. Other than that, it really is a personal thing. If you want to sit and quietly reflect or you want to jump around is not what’s important.