a joyful noise unto the Lord

"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you'."

Psalm 87:7

I have been an avid lover of music as far back as I can remember. I think that love came from my Dad. He was not a renown musician by any means, but one of my favorite moments growing up was when my Dad came to my room to "tuck me in" and sing to me.

Some of our favorites:

"Swing low, Sweet Chariot" (Until a year or 2 ago I thought it was "Swing low sweet cheerio" -- common misconception, I'm sure)

"I Love you Lord"

(and my all-time favorite) "Sweet Adoration"

I feel like there are certain parts of scripture that God writes specifically with each of us in mind. To some, verses of the creation and the great outdoors call them into the presence of their God that encourages adventure. To others, verses about the strength and mighty, strong arm of the Lord calls to their need to be protected by their Heavenly Father.

But the the verses that speak of making a joyful noise unto the Lord and the beautiful harmony of creation displayed in song...God wrote those for me.

A thousand times you can hear the gospel and perhaps be unmoved. A thousand times you can hear of the depth of our sin and our need for Christ and choose to remain apathetic.

But, and thank goodness there is a "but," the gift God gives musicians to place rich lyrics together with the perfect harmony, that sweet sound is what God uses to call me back to him.

Today, at church I sang with Sarah Zevac to help lead worship for the first time back at my home church. Music is what God uses to meet me right where I am. Musical "performances" are also where Satan chooses to attack my selfish pride, my ego. Every time I sing before a congregation or an audience I have to ask the Lord to remove myself from the performance and remove the need for the approval of man. Today was no different.

The sermon focused on Psalm 87 where we see how the Lord calls broken people, enemies of God, and it is through them that he chooses to work and to them who he chooses to bless. The last verse says:

"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you'."

Psalm 87:7

In the middle of God meeting me where I am, using a beautiful melody which draws my attention, He also reminds me that my fountains are in Him. My worth and joy is not in the lyrics or the harmony, my worth and joy is first in Him and through that I may experience the purest joy.

May I be humbled that any gift, and blessing in from Him & to be used for Him.

"Because you love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live,

and in your name I will lift up my hands.

my soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;

with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.

Because you are my help, I wing in the shadow of your wings.

My soul clings to you, your right hand upholds me."

Psalm 6:3-8