Make a Joyful Noise
Friends,
I like to sing.
I don’t have any real talent, but I make up for it with effort and volume. It is well known among the sound crew here at University that my mic must be turned off during the singing of the hymns or we risk scaring children and driving folks from the building never to return.
I have long counted on the grace of the scripture that invites us to make a joyful noise to cover my lack of ability. Whether for emphasis or to make sure we don’t miss it, this invitation is repeated within two chapters of the Psalms. I will continue to make a joyful noise and trust that God is not offended by my tones and is given glory by my effort.
I do love hearing other people sing particularly those who have talent and have worked hard to develop their gifts. I love hearing voices that join together in harmonies, creating notes and sounds that no individual voice could make on its own. It is a reminder that in both music and life more things are beautiful and possible in community.
So, whether you sing like an angel, or like me, you make a joyful noise, God invites us all to offer ourselves in worship and to listen for the harmonies waiting to arise in our community.
The blending of voices with praise band, the choir, or this Sunday, the Friends in Harmony, reminds us that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that all of us get to play a part.
Hope to see you Sunday,
Pastor Ben