Sing Joyfully Unto The Lord

May 6, 2001

Miriam, in verse 20, celebrated God's victory by taking a tambourine and leading the women in singing and dancing: "Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea." (NIV) In 2 Samuel 22, David's song to the Lord is 52 verses long. David was a musician and his songs to the Lord display his devotion and love. In this song, he speaks of God as his Rock, Fortress, Refuge, Savior and Stronghold. David understood full well God's faithfulness and forgiveness. David's songs reveal the depths of his worship.

In Judges 5, Deborah and Barak sang a song of celebration in proclaiming God's power over King Jabin's army. In Luke 1:46-55, Mary's song (the Magnificat) is a song of gratitude of what Jesus was going to do for the world through her. Paul and Silas sang songs in prison in Acts 16:25. Revelation 15:3-4 tells about the singing of the redeemed: "And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant and the song of the Lamb." (NIV)

Singing joyful praises reveals joy, love and respect for untold blessings the Lord bestows. I had the privilege of witnessing a joyful singing experience. The song leader had led two songs, singing all three verses with each song. On the third song, he led the first two verses and then stopped. The congregation all stopped singing too, except one man. Not realizing everyone had stopped singing except himself, he joyfully kept singing. He had sung a phrase with gladness before he realized he was the only one singing. Of course people snickered and it was kind of funny, but for me it held a great blessing.

Enjoying the Lord, the man sang from his heart, offering his praise to the One who died for him. While "making melody in his heart," he became oblivious to his surroundings. Lost in praise to the Savior, the man indeed made a joyful noise. The next day, thinking about what Jesus has done for me, I couldn't help but make a joyful noise too. I sang with enthusiasm as I vacuumed and washed dishes. The more I sang the more joyful I became.

I am indebted to that man. He blessed me. His joyful singing taught me how to be lost in praise to my God. You and I may not be the world's best singers, but I think this world might be silent if only the prettiest voices sang.

Will you make a joyful noise with me today?