Have you ever been present to listen to someone learning a new instrument? Particularly a horn? It’s less joyful noise to the Lord and more a cacophony of sound. I can distinctly remember when my brother brought home a trumpet when he began band and gave thanks when our own child made the wise decision to leave the recorder at school so “it wouldn’t get lost.” Sometimes our joyful noises to the Lord are less joyful to those who are listening than those making the noise. Usually, in order for a joyful and joy-filled noise to be made, we need time to practise, to learn how to use the instrument, to hone our skill, to become comfortable, and to know what we are doing. God can use all of the noises we offer. But we often appreciate a well-practised piece with a well-tuned instrument a little more than random noises blowing from a horn. The same can be said for any skill, for what we say, even what we do. We cannot randomly blow air into the world and expect a joyful noise. If only it were that simple!
O God, help us make joy-filled noises to you, and to practice in such a way that invites others to hear and want to learn to make these noises, too. Amen. —