“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.” - Psalm 100:1
What has happened to congregational singing in our churches? There was a time when you could visit a church and hear lively congregational singing. These days, performances from choirs, soloists, quartets and other vocal groups occupy most of the time allotted for music on Sunday mornings. I am certainly NOT critical of those who use their gifts and talents by singing a solo or participating in a choir or quartet. I love quartet music. A great choir lifts my spirits. Yet those in our congregations, by and large, have become spectators rather than participants. We enjoy hearing others sing rather than singing ourselves.
I come from a background of Southern Gospel convention music. I am grateful that there are still good singing schools operating these days. Each school lasts a week or two, but gives young people (and older folks) a solid musical foundation. A lack of musical training has negatively impacted the quality of music in our churches. We need more gifted musicians and singers in our churches!
Whether we have had formal musical training or not, we are called to praise the Lord. The Psalmist wrote, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.” Let's consider this verse.
First of all, we are called to make a JOYFUL noise. Joy seems to be missing in the lives of many believers. We've allowed the daily grind to slowly drain the joy from our lives. The fruit of the Spirit includes joy (Galatians 5:22). A lack of joy is a symptom of a deeper problem. Fellowship with Jesus brings joy … and keeps joy alive in our lives. Psalm 16:11 says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” There is fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord. So it makes sense that the key to joy is found in spending time in the presence of God.
We are called to make a joyful noise to the Lord. I've already mentioned that congregational singing is anemic in most American churches. Of the people who actually sing, few seem to do so with joy. Singing in church has become a chore to many.
It is true that some are more musically gifted than others. Yet that does not change the fact that all of us are called to praise the Lord. When I sing, it may sound like noise to others, but if it is sincere, my singing pleases God. He is the One I am singing to. I don't need to be a professional singer. I just need to be a born again believer. As a Christian, I have a reason to sing.
The Bible says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” If we sing for the right reason, we are singing to an audience of One. My singing does not need to impress others. The people around me may not enjoy my singing. If the Lord enjoys my singing, it doesn't matter what others may say.
Keep in mind that singing should not be confined to Sunday mornings. While I believe there should be congregational singing at church, we should also be singing when we are alone with the Lord. Sing while you drive, mow grass or wash dishes. The Lord is worthy of our praise every day.
The Scripture says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.” Praise is not restricted to location. Nashville is known as the place for country music. Detroit is known as “Motown.” But every city, town or community should be a place for Christian music.
We need a revival of private and public singing. Perhaps the anemic singing in our churches point to a greater problem. It is not laborious to sing when you have something to sing about. It could be that some are waiting for the Spirit to move before they will sing. We shouldn't wait for the Spirit to move. It is very likely that the Spirit will bless us once we praise the Lord and not the other way around.
When was the last time you put on a concert for the Lord? Whether you had musical accompaniment or sang a cappella, can your recall the last time you sang praises to Jesus? Did you put all of your heart into it?
Typically, the best musicians are chosen to perform before a president or monarch. The spotlight falls on the singer as he performs. Getting a standing ovation from the king or president is an overwhelming experience. Such a performance is usually newsworthy and becomes part of his musical resume.
When it comes to the King of Kings, an average guy like myself can sing and He finds it enjoyable. The spotlight never falls on myself. The spotlight is always kept on the Lord. He is praised and I am blessed.
Join with me and let's make a joyful noise to the Lord!
