Wednesday, October 16, 2024
“Let us come into
his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of
praise!” (Psalm 95:2, New Revised
Standard Version)
I am usually averse to a cacophony
of noise but there is something about the joyful noise of a family gathering
that is rich, healthy and celebratory. Same family stories told once again, new
ones added, laughter, good-natured teasing, banter, sports discussed ad
nauseum, children whistling in and about, hugs and great company. None if it is
very serious, deep or profound – just the joy of being together, all being
relatively healthy, capped off by a dinner in which everyone contributed. “Make
a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and
sing praises.” (Psalm 98: 4)
Of course, the psalm writers are
referring to bringing a joyful noise into the act of worship in the temple. There
are times and places for silence: libraries,
funeral homes (except sometimes laughter can help with sorrow), classrooms, listening
to a live symphony, and most might assume a church’s sanctuary during worship time.
I have had people get upset if anyone starts clapping after a solo or a
choir piece. In one church some wanted me to announce that there be no
clapping. Not a chance – it is a spontaneous expression of appreciation for the
performance. I am sure Jesus is clapping. There is time to be quiet in worship,
of course, but there are times when we need to “let it out” and demonstrate our
praise visibly, like the time when King David was met by all the people who “were dancing before God with all their might,
with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.” (1 Chronicles 13:8)
I confess that I am not a demonstrative sort of guy but I enjoy authentic
spontaneity and the exercise of spiritual freedom that others feel and express
when touched by the Spirit of God in some way. It is hard to get people to
laugh out loud when a good joke is told in the sermon. It is hard for some to
feel comfortable to lift their hands toward God. There is the old joke which asks
how do you stop Baptists from raising their hands in worship. Answer: Lower the
ceiling fans. Groan! But you get my point. Worship is not always to
be a dreary, stuffy, somber, dull experience. It is okay if we break into song,
praise, joy, “singing aloud a song of thanksgiving and telling all your
wondrous deeds.” (Psalm 26:7)
But if so, in worship, why not take this approach to all the beautiful
and wondrous occasions which fill our daily lives? Admittedly, there is already
a lot of noise in our lives, the constant roar which emits from the world
around us. But what if we could speak against that din? What if we could raise a counter melody which
rises above the fray? What if we could find our voice and express our unbridled
thankfulness and joy in a broken world?
Jesus helps us to discover that voice. “I have said these things to
you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John
15:11) He has given us assurances, promises, encouragement, strength, boldness,
that even if there are times when we weep and mourn, “you will have pain,
but your pain will turn into joy.” (John 16:20) These words echo the words
in Nehemiah: “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send
portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to
our Lord, and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
(Nehemiah 8:10).
May we discover that which is praiseworthy. May we express our gratitude
for the good that fills our lives. May
we anticipate that even when the going gets tough, we will have reason to make a
joyful noise in the kingdom of God.
“May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his
glorious power, so that you may have all endurance and patience, joyfully giving
thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the
saints in the light.” (Colossians
1: 11 -12)
Dale
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