I was able to take the day off from my normal Sunday routine yesterday and visit another church. It is not often that I get the chance to just participate in a service and not lead. However, yesterday was a totally new experience. Because of the doctor ordered vocal rest I am in, I became more of an observer than participator. I really cannot remember a time when I wentto a church service and did not sing. It was almost painful to stand and not participate. I saw the words on the screen and was moved at the meaning of the text. I looked around me and saw almost everyone participating. I wanted to lift my voice. I heard my wife on one side of me and my son on the other. I wanted to lift my voice. I heard the other people around me calling out to God in song. I wanted to lift my voice. The sounds were not perfect but they were an offering to God. I wanted to lift my voice. There were words of declaration: “I am a friend of God.” “Who can satisfy my soul?…Lord, Jesus.” “I stand amazed in the presence.” There is so much to be thankful for, how can we keep silent. I really do not understand how those who have a personal relationship with Christ can enter a gathering of worship and stand in silence and yet it happens week after week. How can we? Why do we? Yesterday I was forced to keep silent, however, my heart was singing. God calls us to worship…He made us to worship. Even if you feel you don’t have a voice that is pleasing to God, or those around you…make a joyful noise…celebrate His goodness and proclaim to those around you that He inhabits your life.

Psalm 33

Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones; praise from the upright is beautiful.

Praise the LORD with the lyre; make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp.

Sing a new song to Him;play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout.

Psalm 100

Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth.

Serve the LORD with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful songs.