One of the most famous Psalms begins, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all ye lands.” We sometimes call this the "Thanksgiving Psalm." It is a call for people all over the world to join together in a spirit of thankfulness to the Lord — and sometimes, our joyful noise can be quite loud.

SONGS OF JOY

The idea of making a joyful noise is often used in relationship to singing. We assure people the quality of the singing is not important to the Lord, but rather the sincerity of heart. A joyful noise from a genuinely thankful heart is what pleases God, even when the quality of our singing is not the best.

LOUD ACTIONS

While songs of praise are certainly pleasing to the Lord, I think it would serve us well to explore what else might be considered a joyful noise. Consider these examples:

Blessing those who curse us. When we do not return evil for evil, we quietly make a loud and joyful noise to the Lord.
Giving “a gentle answer that turns away wrath.” When we “speak the truth in love,” it is a joyful noise in the ears of our Savior.
Proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom faithfully. God says the feet that bring good news (of God’s salvation) are beautiful. I believe the sound of those feet walking and the words spoken as they walk are heard by God as a joyful noise.
Serving the least of these. I guarantee God has heard leaps for joy with the noise of our selfless service to others.

LIVE OUT LOUD

There are many other “loud noises” the Lord receives as a joyful praise. When we love our enemies, consider others above ourselves, or do unto others as we would have others do unto us, we make a joyful noise to the Lord. When we give a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus, or work as unto the Lord and not simply to please men, we make a joyful noise to the Lord – and the list could go on and on.

The second line of Psalm 100 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Whenever and however we serve, we make a joyful noise to the Lord.