What does it mean to make a joyful noise unto the Lord?

Answer

Several places in Scripture instruct us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord (Psalm 66:1; Psalm 95:1-2; 100:1; 1 Chronicles 15:16). The verses that ensue explain what that entails. For instance, Psalm 98:4–6 states, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!” This psalm proceeds to depict the sea roaring, the rivers clapping their hands, and the hills breaking forth in song. The imagery portrays all creation uniting in loud worship of God.

A joyful noise is not merely noise for its own sake. Our world is filled with noise, much of it detrimental or distracting. A joyful noise is a bold proclamation of God’s magnificent name and essence, with shouts, clapping, and other outward expressions of praise. A joyful noise often involves music, such as singing, playing instruments, and dancing (Psalm 95:1; Psalm 98:6; Psalm 149:3; 1 Chronicles 15:28). While there is a time for quiet reverence in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 5:7; Psalm 95:6), God also delights in our outward displays of joyful abandon as we worship Him with all we have. Scripture is replete with instances of God’s servants praising Him in various ways, many of them noisy and active. David danced «And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. », (2 Samuel 6:14); MMiriam played the tambourine, singing and dancing (Exodus 15:20-21); the children of Israel shouted and sang, “And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.” (2 Chronicles 15:14); Solomon lifted hands before all the people, “And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:” (1 Kings 8:22); Paul and Silas sang loudly in jail, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” (Acts 16:25); and Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with loud shouts of joy, “took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (John 12:13).

Often what we term as “reverence” is merely “fear of man.” Self-centered reserve is usually the motivation that keeps us from singing aloud, dancing for joy, or lifting hands in worship when it is appropriate to do so. We fear that we might be seen as undignified or fanatical. At those times, we are rejecting the opportunity to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Rather than focus on praising God, our focus is “What will people think?” Others excuse their lack of joyful noise-making by claiming it is not their personality style. However, most of the people who refuse to make a joyful noise unto the Lord think nothing of shouting, clapping, and cheering at their favorite sporting event or music concert. For reasons not found in Scripture, many churches have adopted a somber, funeral-like.

Real-like atmosphere that suppresses any expression of joy. While corporate worship services should always be conducted “decently and in order” «Let all things be done decently and in order.», (1 Corinthians 14:40), they should never hinder the joyful expression of praise brought before the Lord by His people. When the fear of man either motivates or hinders any form of outward expression, we are not doing “all for the glory of God” «Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. », (1 Corinthians 10:31).

On the other hand, some pretend to be making a joyful noise to the Lord, when in reality they are just showing off. Some denominations promote disorder under the pretext of making a joyful noise. Hysterical emotionalism, strange noises, and shouting are not found in scriptural worship. The joyful noise God desires does not draw attention to the noise-maker or disrupt others. A joyful noise originates from a pure heart and shines upward, manifesting in ways that honor God. When joy overflows, our actions mirror that joy. Just as God instructs us to thank Him because we should be grateful (1 Chronicles 16:34;1 Thessalonians 5:18), He also instructs us to make a joyful noise, because we need to express joy to Him. God’s directives are never based on His necessity, but for our benefit.

When the fruit of the Spirit governs our lives, we cannot help but express it—and part of that fruit is joy «But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, », (Galatians 5:22). God desires us to find such joy and enthusiasm in Him that we cannot contain it.

Ephesians 5:18–19 instructs us to “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we desire to sing to Him and edify others. Musical talent has nothing to do with it. A joyful noise incorporates many creative expressions of praise: dancing, singing, clapping, shouting, raising hands, and playing instruments. When the focus of our hearts is God and His greatness, our noise is a sweet sound to His ears.