Psalm 98: ⁴ Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. ⁵ Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. ⁶ With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. 

One of the best parts of corporate worship for me is the music and singing. There is something special about hearing instruments and voices blend together in praise to the Lord. Some people refrain from singing because they don’t think of themselves as good singers. So while others are singing their mouths are closed, or their singing is so quiet as to be almost silent. That always makes me sad because I feel like the praise is diminished when some choose not to participate fully.

What I most appreciate about this text are the descriptions of the singing and praise: “joyful noise” and “joyous song”. There’s nothing in here about being on pitch or having pleasant tone or anything qualitative. What matters isn’t the quality of the singing, but the spirit in which the singing is offered to God – with joy. Robust singing, skillful or not, is an expression of thanksgiving and gratitude to God. It is a sound pleasing to the Lord.

Are you one of those who shrinks back from singing? If so, please remember why we sing in the first place. We sing, not to please other people or even ourselves, but to please the Lord. Lord Jesus, send your spirit of worship to your people. Fill our hearts with love for you, love which sounds like singing. Amen.