Make a Joyful Noise

We were on the beach when we encountered this scene: there was a flock of geese, honking, walking along the sand. As we neared, they lifted off, to land in the water. What a sight they were—their dark plumage—set against the aqua seascape. And though you might not call their vocal chortling, musical, it made me think of the words from Psalm 100:1-2 which says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (ESV)

Dear Jesus, I love to praise You; I have from the time I was a child. Yet I know this does not come as easily to everyone as it does to me. But I cherish these verses, because they encourage a “joyful noise.” How this should relieve pressure from the person who doesn’t feel gifted with a singing voice. As I praise You, Lord, my eyes are lifted from my earthly—concerns, focus, etc.—and onto Your holiness, goodness and grace. This attitude of lifting a joyful noise, reminds me to include reading Scripture out loud, or praying out loud, or using any expression that expresses my heartfelt love for You. And every time I praise, I am filled with the desire to serve You, gladly. And today, I raise my voice, my hands and heart to worship You, Lord. Amen.

A joyful noise simply means coming to the Lord with a spirit of worship, a grateful heart, a sense of appreciating Who He is and what He’s done for us. That, should not be difficult! The next words “all the earth”—mean you, all of creation. (Isaiah 55:12, tells us that even the trees “clap their hands.”) So whether you think you can sing, or not—join in—with the congregation of your church, sing in the shower, in your car, on a walk—but give God praise. For in so doing, you’ll find your heart feels a little lighter and you’ll have come in closer contact with the One who deserves to be adored. If it’s good enough for the goose … and comes so naturally to the gander … may we humans, not remain silent to the Lord’s goodness and loving-kindness that surrounds us, daily.

Praise, keeps us in constant communion with God’s presence. Have you lifted a joyful song, noise, chortle? God loves to hear our voices worship His holy name!

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