“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

When I was a girl studying music, I was taught the difference between major-chorded songs and minor-chorded ones. My teacher explained that the major-chorded songs sounded joyful and the minor ones sounded sad. Therefore, I concluded that God probably liked those songs written in a major key. I now realize that this passage has less to do with the key signature or tone of a musical piece and more to do with our ability to communicate the joyfulness of God’s love to others. I also know that God loves us just as much when we are sad as when we are happy, and it is because of this relationship that we can have joy in our hearts even through the tough times.

OH GOD, HELP US TO MAKE THE JOY OF YOUR LOVE SHOW THROUGH OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS ALL THE TIME. AMEN.

-Shared by Sabra Batts