Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.  ~ Psalm 98:4

全 地 都 要 向 耶 和 华 欢 乐 ； 要 发 起 大 声 ， 欢 呼 歌 颂 ！  ~ 詩 篇 98:4

Today’s verse comes from a psalm, which is a song in the Bible. This song tells us that we should sing! Actually, it tells us that we should make a happy noise to God. Other psalms say this as well, and there are lots of stories in the Bible where people sing and dance for God and play all kinds of musical instruments. God must like loud, happy sounds of praise!

In the picture, one boy has a guitar. Maybe he is about to start singing to God. Maybe the others are too. That would be a joyful noise.

But what about the boy on the end with his head in in his hand? He doesn’t look like he wants to sing. He looks sad. When we feel sad, we don’t feel like making a joyful noise to God. In those times, we don’t have to sing. Instead, we can be quiet with God and tell him what is wrong and remember how much he loves us. When Jesus was sad, that’s what he did.

But sometimes, singing can remind us of God’s love. The words and the music can help us remember the good things he gives us. Making a joyful noise to God can even make us feel happy again. Music is a way to praise God when we feel joyful, but it is also a way to lift our spirits up to God no matter how we feel. Next time you’re feeling sad, why not try making a joyful noise, and see what happens?

Our Father, thank you for the gift of music! Thank you for the gift of joy. Thank you that you like to hear us making happy sounds of praise. Help us sing to you when we feel happy and also when we don’t. Amen.

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash