Psalm 98:4 says, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”
I love this verse. Why? Because this verse is written for people like me. Why is it for me? I am known for being loud and expressive. I like talking (a lot), sometimes to the point where other people just nod and act like they are listening. I like to use cool adjectives to draw out me talking (but it does sound cool). When I am trying to make a decision, I talk to myself (I know I am not the only person to do it, others are just afraid to admit it). I make loud car noises when I play with toys cars with my nieces and nephews (although I hear it is a guy thing). Yes, I must admit I move my hands (sometimes clapping or making noise with my hands to prove a point) when I talk, even when I am on the phone and the other person can’t see me. I use my hands as drumsticks on every hard surface (known as the drum in this case), such as a table, chair, wall, etc. To combine all of this together, I like to make noise.
Another beautiful thing about this verse in the book of Psalms is there is no criteria to praising the Lord. You don’t have to be famous or have a college degree. You don’t have to know certain people or wear certain clothes to praise God. You just have to…make NOISE in praise!!!!!
Now how do you do this in praise to the Lord? I think Psalm 150 is the best example of how praise the Lord with instruments…
“Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”
But playing instruments is not the only way to praise God. Psalm 47:1 says, “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
There are many ways to praise God, and the book of Psalms is full of examples on how to praise God. The main point I want to get across to you is you don’t have to be in church or be famous in order to praise the Lord. You can praise God anytime and anywhere. The only requirement is that you make noise in praise to the Creator, Jesus Christ, and everyone can do that.
