If I hear something often enough, it’s a clue that I should pay attention. If multiple friends are talking about the same show, then I might want to watch it myself. If more than one person recommends a book, then I should probably add it to my reading list. If everybody’s raving about this new restaurant, then eventually I need to go check it out and see what all the fuss is about. That’s just how it goes, right?
We studied Psalm 100 last Sunday, which starts with the words, “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!” Our passage for this Sunday is Psalm 95, which echoes a common theme: “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise.” The repetition matters. We should pay attention! God wants his church to be joyful-noise people.
Praise is an important part of the Christian life and, in my opinion, often an overlooked one. Don’t believe me? Think back to the last time you prayed with other people. What did it sound like? We’re quick to ask others to pray for our needs – and with good reason. It’s a wonderful gift to have brothers and sisters bear your burdens with you. But when God appears and answers our prayers, how often do we go back and ask that same group to give thanks with us? Sometimes – but not nearly as often. As God’s needy children, supplication comes to us faster than praise.
That’s why the Psalms talk so much about singing. Music is powerful, evidenced by the fact that there’s probably at least one song stuck in your head right now and you can’t make it stop. By making a joyful noise and singing praise to God, we throw a yoke on music and use it plow up the hard ground of our hearts. That joyful noise moves us to praise.
Church, make room for music this week. As Jimmy was preparing to read the Scripture on Sunday, he mentioned a band called The Corner Room and their work putting the Psalms to music. Towards the end of the sermon, I mentioned the same songs again. If you’re looking for music to which you can make a joyful noise this week, why not start there?