MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE

Psalm 100:1-2 "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."

Today I went to church, I found my place and got there just before praise and worship started. I didn't pay much attention to who was seated behind me. I was just thankful that I had made it on time! (For those of you who truly know me you can appreciate this accomplishment.) The worship leader stepped forward and began to play. The congregation joined in song; from behind me a very loud and confident noise rang out. Based on the range, I assumed it was a man. (If I had based exclusively on pitch, I would have assumed an injured animal). It caught me off guard at first. I was amazed that someone this vocally challenged would sing out so boldly and with such volume. I actually was a little annoyed that I was subjected to the noise which bellowed from the man behind me; worship interrupted!

As I sat there Psalm 100:1-2 came to my mind (God prompted of course!). As I mediated on this verse, my perspectives were changed. The man behind me was shouting for joy to the Lord; a joyful noise! His heart was filled with gladness as he sang out to God in worship. His voice in those moments of my reflection was transformed. No longer the annoying clanging of a man singing off pitch, it was now from the heart of a man who was worshiping the Lord. I enjoyed his song!

Worship ended and we all sat down. Sitting there, I was reminded that God doesn't look for perfection. He does not need beautiful, perfect on pitch voices. God looks at the heart. This is where praise and worship comes from. God wants our hearts.