“I’m not ashamed, I’m a sinner saved, no,
I’m not afraid anymore,
What the world calls foolish, You call freedom,
Now I won’t hold back anymore.”
Joy (What the World Calls Foolish), Gateway Worship
There’s a kind of worship that doesn’t make sense to the world. It’s the kind that lifts hands in surrender when everything is falling apart. The kind that sings with joy in the middle of the storm. The kind that dances before the Lord, unashamed and unrestrained.
David did this in 2 Samuel 6. As the Ark of the Covenant returned to Jerusalem, he couldn’t contain his joy. He danced with all his might, indifferent to what others thought of him. His wife, Michal, despised his undignified worship, but this was how David responded:
“I will become even more undignified than this.” (2 Samuel 6:22)
To the world, he may have looked foolish. But David didn’t care. He knew the truth. That God’s Presence is worth everything.
When we encounter His Presence, joy overflows. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” It’s a joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances, but on the unshakable reality of who He is. It’s a joy that breaks chains, that lifts burdens and draws us into deeper surrender.
Like David and like Pr Chew, I don’t mind being a fool for God. If loving Him looks foolish to the world, so be it. Our God is worthy of everything.
Let us not hold back in worship. May we always embrace the joy of His Presence, undignified and unashamed. Because in the Kingdom of God, there is no ‘final’ — only deeper encounters with Him.
Angeline Cheong
Chief Ministry Leader
SIBKL Worship
Joy (What the World Calls Foolish)
Gateway Worship
Crowns Down (Live/Deluxe), 2023
The House – Live
Planetshakers
Show Me Your Glory (Live), 2023
Because of Christ – Live
The Belonging Co, Henry Seeley
Because of Christ (Live), 2022
Dwelling Place
– Live from Victory Conference
AWAKE84
JESUS.(Live from Victory Conference), 2024
Resting Place
Awaken Generation, Alarice
Resting Place, 2024
Holy Song – Live
Bethel Worship, Brooke Ligertwood
Holy Song (Live), 2024
Show Me Your Face
Steffany Gretzinger
Faith of My Father, 2021
This is the Air I Breathe
Elevation Music, Kathryn Scott
Worship from Ireland, Vol.1, 2004
Awesome in this Place
Kent Henry, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
The Secret Place, 1993