Joyful Noise

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Psalm 98:4 (ESV)

Those of you who know me will get a kick out of this. I volunteered for the church choir during one of our Christmas services. You girls know that I will sing out loud, but you also know that I can’t sing. That Bible verse about “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” was for me. It’s the clause that provides a covering for me so that my songs of worship will be received based on the thankfulness in my heart and not the tone of my voice.

Our music leader had reached out to various people to gather a choir, something we don’t normally have. After deflecting as much as I could without looking completely dramatic, I gave my yes when he said, “We simply need worshipers.” I may not be able to sing, but I can worship!

It used to be that I endured the worship music, even preferring to arrive 15 minutes late to the Sunday morning service so I’d miss it. But ever since I went from reading/hearing about God’s love to actually experiencing it, worship music took on a whole new meaning for me. Now I love to express my gratitude for the incomprehensible love of God. Worship in church or in the privacy of my home is one of the joys of my heart.

On the evening of my choir performance I was extremely happy that the more skilled, stronger voices overshadowed my joyful noise. That’s the beauty of the Lord! In His limitless love, He not only covered for me when I fell short, but He graciously took my imperfect gift of worship, and through the lens (Jesus Christ) with which He sees my face, He did not reject my meager offering. He received it as a beautiful, joyful noise.

When I look at the diversity of my church, I see varying talents, skills, and giftings; different shapes, colors, and detailed features; various walks of life, ethnicities, and ages. To me, it’s a beautiful representation of what heaven will look like.

There is a Latin phrase on the United States seal, E pluribus unum. It means “out of many, one.” This phrase originated when the thirteen smaller colonies joined as a cohesive single nation. I’ve also heard this phrase used to broaden acceptance for the ever-changing identities that people draw on to label themselves.

I can’t help but notice that E pluribus unum also speaks of the diversity that finds unity in Christ. Originality is the trademark of the living God. Creativity finds its origin in the God of heaven and earth. All things are created with His spoken word, knit together with His hands, and restored with His out stretched arms.

With the abundance of originality and creativity that this life has to offer, it all finds unity in the heart of the One in whose image we are made.

NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!

Self-Reflection

These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.

This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.

• Do you agree that you are made in the image of God? What Bible verse supports your answer?
• In what ways do you feel you resemble the image of God?
• What would you say your gifts/talents are?
• In reference to E pluribus unum, what other individual unique things can you think of that find unity as one?
• In what way(s) do these distinct things find unity?
• What is something that you give to God knowing that it falls short?
• Are you self-conscious, or do you let God decide how to receive it?

Talk to God about your answers. Give Him praise, ask Him questions and then listen for His gentle response.

Take Action

Use God’s word to take control over the traumas in your life.  Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises in His word.

Here is a scripture for you to print, cut and carry with you and/or post in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!

Here is what God’s word says about His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Psalm 98:4 (ESV)

When you read God’s word, say to yourself: God receives my offering through my gifts, talents, worship. He is worthy to be praised. He will never reject my joyful praise and worship because every time I use my gifts and talents with a thankful heart, He’s slapping a high-5 to Jesus and the angels.