MAY 13
Psalm 95:1, “Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”
Psalm 95 is a stirring call to worship God with both reverence and joy, mindful of His greatness as our Creator and Shepherd. He alone is worthy of our heartfelt and enthusiastic worship. Yet, the psalm also carries a solemn warning: do not harden your hearts, as the Israelites did in the wilderness when they rebelled and turned away from God’s voice. The psalm urges us to “make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.” This joyful noise isn’t just about musical skill or loudness—it’s about a heart overflowing with devotion, gratitude, and awe for the One who saves and sustains us.
Worship, at its core, is acknowledging God for who He is and what He has done. True worship must be offered “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23), and it involves both our lips and our lives (Hebrews 13:15–16). It’s not confined to Sundays or sanctuaries—it is the 24/7 privilege and calling of everyone who belongs to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). We worship because He is worthy.
Psalm 95:1 calls for enthusiastic, unashamed praise. I remember a man named Louie who was part of our fellowship in St. Helens years ago. Louie had little and lived with a severely disabled back, walking bent over and needing to turn his whole body just to see you. Yet Louie loved Jesus deeply, and he wasn’t shy about it. During our Sunday evening services, we’d sometimes sing “How Great Thou Art.” Typically, Louie would trail behind the rest of the congregation. After everyone else had finished the final line—”how great Thou art”—Louie would belt it out alone, with all the energy he had. Some found it awkward or amusing. But I have no doubt that God was pleased with Louie’s heart—a heart that made a true joyful noise.
Genuine worship doesn’t require polish or performance—it’s about the sincerity of heart and the joy we bring to God in response to who He is. May our worship—be it private or public—be marked by authenticity, gratitude, and enthusiasm, even if it looks or sounds a little messy.
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits. The one who sings, prays twice.”—Martin Luther
Application Questions: In what ways can you “make a joyful noise” with your heart and actions, not just with your words or Sunday attendance? When you feel hesitant or self-conscious in expressing your praise to God, how can you remind yourself that true worship is about the condition of your heart, not the perception of others?
LookingtoJesus 