We woke last Thursday morning to lightning, thunder, wind, and the tic-tic-tic of sleet and freezing rain—unwanted noise. Then on Saturday morning, another round of sleet, as pictured here, and snow is predicted for tomorrow. The silence of falling snow can be very loud: sound if wanted, noise if unwanted, which got me to pondering Psalm 100.

Joyful Noise

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. Psalm 100 KJV

This psalm is among the “royal psalms,” calling us to honor God in His divinity. The opening exhortation is for the entire world; His love extends to everyone, His existence made evident and available to all. This is a hymn of praise.

The second part of this song is about the Hebrew word he’sed, meaning a constant, loyal, deep love. Because of His faithful love, we should worship Him with obedience and praise. 

Winter, summer, spring or fall, whenever I wake to lightning, thunder, and precipitation, I pray, “Make more joyful noise, Lord,” knowing full well the psalmists were not exhorting God but His people, like me, to serve with gratitude.

Noise versus Sound

Sound is a form of energy that can be generated, move, and dissipate. Noise is an unwanted or unpleasant sound. But sometimes I wonder: are sounds in nature, God’s wondrous creation, all pleasant? Certainly not the snapping of ice-coated branches breaking and falling.. 

As often happens during winter here in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, temperatures rise then fall, fooling flowers into an early spring, then nipping them. Last week, after the sun had melted the ice, I noticed a few daffodils blooming in my neighbor’s yard. Tomorrow’s snow accumulation will likely bow the flowers’ heads. 

Even in times of adversity—maybe especially during those times—we too should bow our heads and make joyful, imperfect noises to the Lord, because the mystery of sound and noise is not always for us to understand.

Noise in the Bible

So, what does the Bible say about “noise?” The word is most often translated as voice or sound, as in the noise of the trumpet in Exodus 20:18 or voice in Exodus 32:17. Noise can indicate anger, desolation, an outcry, shouting, a roar, a loud sound, for instance in battle or in nature.

Most telling for me is this verse: The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. Psalm 93:4 KJV

His might, love and faithfulness are louder than anything. And the reason why I make joyful noise unto Him.

Linkup with Five Minute Friday: https://fiveminutefriday.com/2025/02/06/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-noise/