Make a Joyful Noise

Psalm 98 declares: Sing to the Lord a new song! Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth! Break forth into songs and sing praises!

There are times in our lives when our hearts naturally burst with praise… at the birth of a child, or perhaps at your own wedding. Or maybe you’ve felt this at a time when you’ve seen or experienced an act of bravery or kindness during a moment of great need. These moments can be so touching, so moving that our hearts overflow.

At other moments we may feel it simply by experiencing the beauty of creation; maybe while watching a sunset after a storm, when the sky opens in color in all of its glory. Or, it could happen while coming around the corner of a mountain road only to catch a breathtaking glimpse of majestic snow-covered peaks; or perhaps while standing beside a waterfall so powerful that the ground shakes beneath you. 

In moments like these, our hearts want to break forth in songs of praise!

At the same time, I’m also reminded that there are other times when praise does not come so naturally. 

I think about the times in life when we get so busy – even frantic. We get hyper-focused on the to-do list, and we become weighted down with task after task. Or, we get sucked into our phones and find ourselves doom-scrolling; or playing the comparison game on social media. How do they have it so good? Why can’t we go on vacations like them? Why can’t I look like that? 

It is often in the midst of these times that our eyes are blinded – or we simply fail to stop and notice the beauty and the blessings on every side.

Today I pray that you would indeed take the time to pause. Reflect for just a few moments on the gifts that surround you – gifts you never could have earned. Notice the splendor and the beauty of creation, and the love and grace that encompass you. And allow your heart to sing in response. 

Let us pray: We praise you O God, for you are found even in the mundane details of life. We praise you for you for the gifts of friendship and love, and for the way in which you walk with us through the ups and downs of life. Open our eyes and our ears and our hearts that we would ever be attuned to your grace, and respond with all our souls. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.