There is so much more to the Pentecost experience than a very expressive style of worship. The members of a church can shout, dance, and lift their hands all they want. The Holy Spirit is not necessarily going to manifest though just because people are free to behave ecstatically. Even when He does reveal His presence, sometimes our wild emotions interfere with what He is trying to do. We must understand that an emotional response does not necessarily mark a true move of God.

     Some of the most awesome experiences I have had with God in church are when the preacher was silent, the music was quieted, and God's Spirit simply touched mine. Outwardly there may have been no unique sign of what was going on, and inwardly I remained quite calm. Yet moments like these have reminded me numerous times of just how real the Lord is. Sometimes I think the Body of Christ needs more of those.

     In revival, there is often a compulsion for people to become as active as they can, and stay in a hyped-up state as long as possible. This does not mean that the revival is false, but it does give a lot of distraction to those who are trying to receive something deeper. This is a serious error some circles are facing. Outsiders can actually be hindered from entering in because they find it difficult to flow in the Spirit – due to the rush of feelings they are undergoing.

     I think of a friend who has tried for years to speak in tongues, but seems to expect the Holy Spirit to force the words out of his lips. Every time he gets worked up in prayer or at an alter call he will begin to make a repetitive noise with his mouth, like he is about to explode with some inward power. It never comes out though. I know this guy is genuinely empowered, but he seems to have a sincere misunderstanding about how the Lord moves. A high level of emotion is not required.

     It is vital that we allow room for emotion to be let out, as Christ commanded us to love Him with “all our heart, soul, mind and strength,” (Mark 12:30). However, we must be careful to keep our emotions from getting the best of us. When explaining to the Corinthians that they did not have to prophesy every time they felt the urge, Paul said, “The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

     A supernatural encounter may very well result in expressions like laughter, weeping, or shaking – all of which seem emotional. Yet these activities can all be produced by natural means too. If it is truly spiritual, then God's people will not feel forced to do these things by some overwhelming urge. Instead, they will use their free will and submit to God's leading, just as they do through their day-to-day walk of sanctification. Isaiah 55:12 tells us we are “lead forth with peace,” not with pressure. Much confusion can be done away with if we remember that.