EPIPHANY III
January 26, 2025
“Making a Joyful Noise”
O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! (Psalm 95:1-2)
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. (Psalm 96:1-2)
Do you remember the earliest music in your life? It’s not likely to have an actual memory, since most of us were probably very small when someone hummed or sang a sweet melody to us. There’s something about holding a baby or small child in our arms that leads us to sing a little, whether we’re particularly musical or not. The summer my granddaughter was a baby, we spent some lovely times in a yard swing, as I sang “You Are my Sunshine” to the gentle movement. I’m not much of a singer, and didn’t think of or decide on a special song, it just happened, and I’ll always treasure those sweet times.
The music of our faith includes essentially every aspect of life experiences, of the relationship between humans and God, and provides a means of expression when all else fails. Whether we listen, sing, or play; are joyful, sorrowing, angry or frightened, there is God’s gift of music to touch and nourish our spirits.
The Psalms especially speak of singing songs of praise, joy and thanksgiving, as God’s people are thankful for the blessings they have received. Throughout the centuries and to this day, all people are called to thank and praise God for the gift of his magnificent creation: the moon and stars; the mountains and plains; oceans, rivers, and lakes; forests and fields; the amazing abundance of nature. God is further thanked and praised for his loving care and protection of his people, and for keeping them safe from enemies and hardships.
Songs of grief and loss, of fear, and in times of trouble reach God’s ears as well. In Psalm 56 we read: “O Most High, when I am afraid I put my trust in you.” and In Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Whenever we sing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” I feel encouraged, as we declare that, in spite of the forces of evil that threaten us, we are not alone, and we know that we can trust God to keep us strong even in the worst of times. We live in troubling times, surrounded by conflict and uncertainty, but the foundation on which we stand is unshakable — that is, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who sacrificed himself for our sins, and was raised by the redemptive power of God’s love.
Our hymns carry messages of love and hope, comfort and assurance, joy and gratitude. God promises to be present in our lives in all circumstances, strengthening and encouraging us in faith and action as we strive to fulfill our calling as his people.
Grateful for the joyful noises,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers