Make a joyfull noise to the Lord

Nothing soothes my weary spirit more than little voices raised in song. My son had his school music program tonight; I went alone with my five children in tow and was not at all in a joyful mood. It seems whenever we go out in public it brings out the worst behavior in my children; they are loud, disobedient, wild, and disrespectful to others. At least they were tonight.

When the music started and the 1st and 2nd grade classes started singing together we were all hushed and instantly smiling. They were singing a song from my all time favorite musical, a song we sing and listen to su much my sweet baby Emery raised her hands and started cooing along. I love hearing my kids sing. This was a school production so the selections were secular folk songs that most first graders learn; I've Been Working on the Railroad, She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain, Erie Canal, etc.

Little voices raised in song is a beautiful thing. Even more beautiful is when they sing praise to their creator and songs that tell His story. God has created us to be musical, He wants us to sing His praises, to let the joy He alone can give bubble over and come out in song. As I sat amazed at how such a stressful evening could turn so enjoyable in an instant I reminded myself how amazing God is that He can turn anything into joy.

So I encourage everyone to sing, sing for joy to the Lord. At your lowest point, at your most weary, when you think it is not possible to be more stressed than you are at the moment, sing to the Lord. Just break forth in song and let it all out. As I put my baby to bed tonight I started singing His Eye is on the Sparrow without even realizing it. As I sang I was lifted and energized. Even after two sleepless nights caring for a sick child and the efforts I was making not to spread my own ailment (pink eye, yuck) to my kids; I feel great tonight know the power of praise.

Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; praise Him with string instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150 (NASB)