My husband recently brought a box down from the attic labeled, “Music toys.” In the box are all sorts of playful musical instruments for children. There is a small xylophone, castanets, tambourine, recorder, drum, and other instruments. The baby now enjoys “playing” with these toys on the floor.
The other night the baby had the recorder and a drumstick and was banging on the fireplace. He couldn’t hurt anything as the fireplace is made of brick, but it was loud. I thought perhaps my husband would ask the baby to stop, but instead he said, “Keep making a joyful noise, buddy!”
Psalm 98:4
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
I love this verse because it doesn’t say, “make a BEAUTIFUL noise unto the Lord.” If it did, many of us would be unable to fulfill this mandate! Some of us can sing like songbirds and play instruments like professionals. Many others of us have other gifts! No, it says, “make a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord.”
The baby was filled with joy when he was banging on the fireplace. He was having a blast!
Do you make JOYFUL noises to the Lord? Or perhaps they are obligatory noises? Maybe they are quiet timid noises? What would it take for you to be able to bring the Lord a joyful noise?