Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you. All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.” Selah
Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations— let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah
Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, who has kept us among the living and has not let our feet slip. ~ Psalm 66:1-9
What is your joyful noise?
What is it that your body wants to do when you can count God's blessings?
What is it your voice wants to do?
I remember when I was growing up that we Lutherans were sometimes called the "frozen chosen." I found out later that this was a semi-fond title that Garrison Keillor(of Prairie Home Companion fame) had given us.
You know: we go to church. We sit. We stand. We listen attentively to the sermon, and say our liturgical parts when it is our turn. And when we sing, we make sure to not move too much or sing too loudly so as not to bother anyone near us!
Never, ever do we make waves! Or clap! Or sing to loudly. Or raise our hands and say with a bold voice: "Amen, brother," or "Preach!" or "Hallelujah!"
Now, I think we've progressed a bit from Keillor's description, but Psalm 66 wants us to know that our God is worthy to be praised loudly. Fully. Deeply.
With dance and with song. With clapping and with joy.
Alleluia! Praise you, God! Amen, Amen, and Amen!
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