Make A Joyful Noise*

I was at a Worship conference in 2007. It was incredible to listen to that crowd of musicians praise and worship God.

On the second day of the conference praise and worship session, I stood next to a man that sang loud and about an eighth of a tone off pitch. I was so distracted, I couldn’t sing worship or praise God. (I thought)

God has a way of tapping you on the shoulder when you are not focused on the right thing. Frustrated, I turned and felt myself get whapped across the head with a two by four. His hands were lifted to heaven, eyes closed, and worship was pouring out of him for his Savior. Completely humbled, God allowed me to hear his voice as He heard it. It was beautiful. God was listening to the worship, not the voice.

When Matt Redman wrote “Heart of Worship,” I think I understood that song for the first time. It fits with the scripture: Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands. (Psalm 66:1 KJV)

Musicians sing and worry about the correctness of the notes, and singing on key. God “worries” about the worship. Don’t misunderstand, God has made people that sing on pitch, and musicians that play amazingly and they are there to help the church by leading in worship. While people might be looking at them, God is looking at all the hearts on stage and off. I love standing next to people who can't sing. It truly does come from their heart.

I joined in with the worship, and sang as loudly as him. I’m sure my pitch was affected, but I didn’t care. I was giving God my heart.

*Published in War Cry and Evangel