Main Text
Psalms 66:1-12
Watchword
Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.
Psalms 66:1-2 NKJV
A joyful noise is not merely noise for its own sake. Our world is filled with noise, much of it harmful or distracting. A joyful noise is a bold declaration of God’s glorious name and nature, with shouts, clapping, and other outward expressions of praise. A joyful noise often includes music, such as singing, playing instruments, and dancing (Psalm 98:6; Psalms 149:3). While there is a time for quiet reverence in the presence of the Lord (Habakkuk 2:20), God also delights in our outward displays of joyful abandon as we worship Him with all we have. (Psalm 95:6).
Scripture is filled with examples of God’s servants praising Him in a variety of ways, many of them are noisy and active. David danced (2 Samuel 6:14); Miriam played the tambourine, singing and dancing (Exodus 15:20–21); the children of Israel shouted and sang (2 Chronicles 15:14); Solomon lifted hands before all the people (1 Kings 8:22); Paul and Silas sang loudly in jail (Acts 16:25); and Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with loud shouts of joy (John 12:13).
Today, bless the Lord and lift up your praises to the One who is the living God, our God who is our Father. Just try to slow down a little today. Keep your eyes open, look around you, look up, look into the eyes of the people you pass, look at the grasses growing or the flowers blooming or the leaves falling. Take time to notice and appreciate the beauty of the world around you, and take a few extra minutes to write it all down if you can. You will be surprised how gratitude can change your whole perspective on life and give you reason upon reason to praise the Creator of it all. (Psalms 117:1-2).
Confession
Dear Lord, thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and blessings, and thank you for your great love and care over us.
Prayer
Oh Lord, I long to bring pleasure to you daily in all my thoughts, words and deeds. Amen.
Additional Reading
Psalms 105:2-3
Psalms 100:1.