In the Bible, “boisterous” often describes loud, noisy, or turbulent behavior, like the wind in a storm (Matthew 8:24). For children, it can mean being very lively and noisy, sometimes in a way that can be a little wild or unruly.
Scripture
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
“Boisterous” in the Bible: A Children’s Guide
The term “boisterous” in the Bible captures the essence of loud, energetic behavior, similar to the tumultuous winds described in Matthew 8:24, where Jesus calms a storm. For children, this idea can be likened to the joy and excitement they express during play or while exploring the world around them. It’s important to remember that while being boisterous can be fun, it can also become overwhelming or chaotic if not guided properly. Proverbs 17:22 teaches that “A cheerful heart is good medicine,” emphasizing that joy and liveliness are positive qualities, so long as they are balanced with an understanding of their surroundings and respect for others.
In essence, being boisterous should serve as a reminder for children to channel their energy and excitement in ways that uplift themselves and those around them. Just as David danced before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14), making noise and being lively in praise, children can learn the value of expressing their joy in a way that honors themselves and brings happiness to others. Through these teachings, they can find that there is a time for exuberance, but also a time for calm, helping them navigate the spectrum of feelings and behaviors in their own lives.
In exploring the concept of being “boisterous” as it appears throughout scripture, we can see how it resonates with a child’s natural exuberance and vitality. For instance, in the context of gathering together with friends or family, children often express their joy, and this lively behavior can be likened to the jubilant celebrations found in the Bible. The joyful noise made by a community during times of praise reflects the collective energy that can elevate spirits and foster a sense of belonging. Encouraging kids to embrace this joyous expression, while also being mindful of their surroundings and others can cultivate compassion and consideration in a lively atmosphere.
Additionally, the Bible often illustrates the power of community and togetherness in worship, where boisterous expression reaches new heights. Just as Jesus encouraged his followers to share their stories and experiences of faith openly, children, too, can learn the importance of sharing their joys enthusiastically. By channeling their boisterousness into uplifting interactions—whether through singing songs of praise, playing games, or simply laughing—they not only express their happiness but also create a positive environment for those nearby. Teaching children that their buoyant energy can be a source of encouragement for friends and family lays a foundation for building strong, loving relationships as they grow.
The Power of Nature
In the Bible, “boisterous” often describes strong and powerful forces, like storms or winds. For children, this can be a reminder of how mighty nature can be. It teaches us to respect the world around us and understand that there are things beyond our control. Just like a boisterous storm can shake the ground, we can learn that God is powerful and can calm even the wildest situations.
Joyful Celebrations
“Boisterous” can also mean being lively and full of joy. In the Bible, there are many times when people celebrate with loud singing and dancing. For children, this shows that it’s okay to express happiness and have fun! It encourages them to celebrate special moments with friends and family, reminding them that joy is an important part of life and faith.
The Importance of Peace
While “boisterous” can mean loud and energetic, it can also contrast with the idea of peace. Children can learn that while it’s good to be lively, it’s also important to find moments of calm and quiet. This teaches them about balance in life—enjoying the fun times while also appreciating the peaceful moments that God provides.
How to Foster Joyful Worship and Community in Faith
Fostering joyful worship and community in faith is a beautiful journey that begins with an open heart and a willingness to connect with others. Start by engaging in regular fellowship with your church family, whether through small groups, service projects, or shared meals, as these moments create bonds that deepen our understanding of God’s love. Embrace the spirit of worship by participating actively in services—singing with enthusiasm, praying earnestly, and being present in the moment. Remember, joy in worship often stems from gratitude; take time to reflect on the blessings in your life and share these testimonies with others. Encourage an atmosphere of acceptance and support, where everyone feels valued and heard, and don’t hesitate to express your own joys and struggles. As you cultivate these relationships and experiences, you’ll find that your faith community becomes a source of strength and inspiration, making your worship not just an act, but a vibrant celebration of God’s goodness together.
Bible References to “Boisterous” for Kids:
Mark 4:35-41: 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
James 3:1-12: 1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?
12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
Proverbs 15:1-4: 15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
1 Peter 3:8-12: 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.
Ephesians 4:29-32: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-17: 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Proverbs 29:11-20: 11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king faithfully judges the poor,
his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
1 Samuel 17:41-50: 41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him.
42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.
43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.”
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head.
47 And that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.
48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.
49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.
Titus 3:1-7: 1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.