“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. - Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise! What kind of joyful noise? And who determines that it is joyful anyways? The author of this passage suggests many reasons that we should make a joyful noise, but very little guidance about what constitutes a noise that is joyful. Furthermore, the word ‘noise’ was an interesting word choice. While other bible interpretations suggest this passage opens with “Shout with joy…”, I think the idea of “joyful noise” leaves room for more personal subjective interpretation.
When I think of joyful noises, I envision hearing singing or shouting like one might hear at a concert or sporting event. However, I reconsidered joyful noises while listening to my eldest daughter eating lunch with a friend. They elected to sit at a separate table behind the parents. I heard very little of their conversation during the meal, however it was a constant stream of giggling. First one, then the other, and then they would both erupt in a fit of giggles before redirecting their conversation to another topic equally deserving of laughter. The laughter of children is so joyful, pure, and infectious!
What kinds of noises do you notice around you that make you smile? Birds singing? Friends laughing? Guitar playing? A drum beating? Grandma praying?
How many of these noises do you make with intent to praise God? How many noises do you make to inspire others to praise God?
Lord, I pray for an acute awareness of the joyful noises around me today. Help me find new ways to express thanksgiving and praise. I pray that it may be joyful enough to inspire others around me to seek your love. Amen.,
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