Psalm 66:1-12
Preaching
A Journey Through the Psalms: Reflections for Worried Hearts and Troubled Times
Preaching the Psalms Cycles A, B, C
Object:
I use this psalm often when inviting people to join the church choir. The invitation comes and is frequently rebuffed with the comment that the person can't sing or can't even hold a tune. To this I respond readily, saying, "Scripture doesn't say we have to sing in perfect pitch. It says we have to make a 'joyful noise!' "
Indeed, joy seldom reflects the careful professional sounds of a large concert choir or orchestra. Joy is actually a little rowdy. It prances around like David dancing before God. It jumps, yells, and squeals in delight. Joy releases wonderful energy in unpredictable and chaotic ways. Joy defies our attempts to control and organize. Joy simply erupts.
This, of course, can cause problems in some church communities that prize order, discipline, and method. When God gets hold of someone's heart, such veneer is quickly peeled away in the wake of God's uncontainable love. Then our committees and strategy groups are left holding the organizational bag with nothing but copies of last month's minutes to contemplate.
Yet, balance is required. In my own church setting, my creativity and ability to try new ministries is made possible by the incredible organizational skills of the treasurer, who sees to it that the resources and tools necessary for ministry are available. This pastor's tendency to want to dance for joy is made possible by the discipline, focus, and hard work of another coworker in the Christian community. We are a team, mutually supporting one another, and mutually committed to God's kingdom.
Yes, it is about balance. Alongside David's joyful dance before God comes the dance of balance. This dance is the dance of James, who writes powerfully about the balance between faith and works. You simply cannot have one without the other. An important part of our faith journey certainly calls us to joyful abandon in the warm folds of God's love. We are, however, also called to discipline, rigor, and excellence. Without these, our joy can quickly disintegrate into frenzied running around, which quickly tires us and those around us.
Let's make that joyful noise to the Lord! Let's sing and prance and whirl about as we drink in the incredible and wonderful Spirit of the almighty God! While we dance, let's remember the balance that makes this dance possible. Let's live together into that balance, into that wonder that is born in Christian community.
Indeed, joy seldom reflects the careful professional sounds of a large concert choir or orchestra. Joy is actually a little rowdy. It prances around like David dancing before God. It jumps, yells, and squeals in delight. Joy releases wonderful energy in unpredictable and chaotic ways. Joy defies our attempts to control and organize. Joy simply erupts.
This, of course, can cause problems in some church communities that prize order, discipline, and method. When God gets hold of someone's heart, such veneer is quickly peeled away in the wake of God's uncontainable love. Then our committees and strategy groups are left holding the organizational bag with nothing but copies of last month's minutes to contemplate.
Yet, balance is required. In my own church setting, my creativity and ability to try new ministries is made possible by the incredible organizational skills of the treasurer, who sees to it that the resources and tools necessary for ministry are available. This pastor's tendency to want to dance for joy is made possible by the discipline, focus, and hard work of another coworker in the Christian community. We are a team, mutually supporting one another, and mutually committed to God's kingdom.
Yes, it is about balance. Alongside David's joyful dance before God comes the dance of balance. This dance is the dance of James, who writes powerfully about the balance between faith and works. You simply cannot have one without the other. An important part of our faith journey certainly calls us to joyful abandon in the warm folds of God's love. We are, however, also called to discipline, rigor, and excellence. Without these, our joy can quickly disintegrate into frenzied running around, which quickly tires us and those around us.
Let's make that joyful noise to the Lord! Let's sing and prance and whirl about as we drink in the incredible and wonderful Spirit of the almighty God! While we dance, let's remember the balance that makes this dance possible. Let's live together into that balance, into that wonder that is born in Christian community.
