Make a Joyful Noise

Psalm 100:1-2 – Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. (NIV)

Ephesians 5:18b-19 – Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. (NIV)

Psalm 146:2 – I will praise the Lord all of my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. (NIV)

My husband and I have had the special privilege of being part of a contemporary praise team for the past several months. It all happened quite unexpectedly after we had moved to a new community, at a beach. One Sunday early in June, a group consisting of a lead guitarist, a bass guitarist, a male singer (who also played the harmonica), and a female singer were leading the singing. We enjoyed their music so much that we went to speak to them after the church service. One thing led to another, and before we knew it, they were asking us if we would like to join them. With no hesitation on our part, we said "Yes!" and thus began a summer of weekly potlucks, practices, joyful singing, and Christian fellowship.

Although the services at the beach went on only until Labour Day weekend in September (and at Thanksgiving in October), we have since begun doing one contemporary service a month at a church in a city close by. The singing at the beach was enjoyed so much that we have been asked to do it again this coming summer. I find myself singing this music throughout the day, and, even when I wake up at night, it's going through my head. It is very prayerful music — many of the pieces are based on Scripture verses — and I even use some of the words and/or music in my daily devotions.

The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord! What a wonderful way singing is to praise our Creator, and show our gratitude for all that He has done for us. Singing can bring us into God's presence. Singing can bring us hope, comfort, peace, and joy. Let us never stop singing and praising God until the day when all believers will sing together before the very throne of God!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for all the blessings that You shower upon us. We thank You for the gift of song that allows us to sing our praises to You, and to show our gratitude for the way that You work in our lives. May we always sing our praises to You with joyful hearts. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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