Thoughts for the Day

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.

Le the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord,
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the people's with equity.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Anyone who has lived within a mile of a very large football stadium will know the particular shout that goes up when a goal is scored - it is a veritable roar! Psalm 98 instructs us to 'make a joyful noise', and we know that worship in the temple in Jerusalem was accompanied by immense noise. There are accounts of the shouts of the people and the sound of music being heard far away.

The early part of Psalm 98 reminds us of all that God has given His people, and the way He has rescued and saved them! The people, and indeed all of creation, are urged to make the most joyful noise they can to thank God for His gifts. Later verses look to the future. God's work is seen as spreading to save the whole world. There will be judgement, but God will do this with equity, meaning we shall not be judged by the strict letter of the law, but according to our circumstances and in a just and fair way.

Today, if you can play an instrument then play it loudly to "make a joyful noise to the Lord"; or play a joyful cd loudly; or sing loudly; or bang saucepan lids together and shout! Do something that reflects your thankfulness that God loves you and has given you so much!

Lord God,
all too often we give a timid whisper
to thank You for all You have given to us -
for our world;
for loved ones;
for beauty;
for our health;
for our wealth;
for sunshine and rain;
for our home.
and for Your Son, Jesus Christ
who came to sae us.
May we give a shout of joy this day! *
Amen.

* omit anything not appropriate for you.