What is a Joyful Noise?

Psalm 100

English Standard Version (ESV)

A Psalm for ^(A)giving thanks.

100 ^(B)Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
^{2     (C)}Serve the Lord with gladness!
    ^(D)Come into his presence with singing!

³ Know that ^(E)the Lord, he is God!
    It is he who ^(F)made us, and ^(G)we are his;^[a]
    we are his ^(H)people, and ^(I)the sheep of his pasture.

^4 (J)Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his ^(K)courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; ^(L)bless his name!

^5 (M)For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his ^(N)faithfulness to all generations.

(http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+100&version=ESV)

I wonder what a joyful noise from the earth would sound like to God?  Would it be people in the bar hootin’ and  hollerin’ for another drink?   Would it be a crowd at a rock concert screaming when the band enters the stage?   Would it be the crowed at the ballgame cheering on their favorite team?  Or, would it be hearing the praise of the people to their creator?  Would it be hearing thoughtful words to our neighbors rather than ruthless slander?  How about thankfulness rather than grumbling?  Maybe it would be a song that brings glory and honor to God.  Or, the sound of a repentant heart.  There are so many ways that we can make a joyful noise to the Lord but so often I choose to whine.  How many of us would rather here a child with a contagious laugh over a child who is whining?  I know I would and believe that is what our Father wants too. 

I do wallow in self-pity sometimes, more than I should, but the amazing thing is that the Father still loves me.  His love is the same as it was in the days of Adam when God walked with him.  It is the same as the days of Moses, David, Solomon, and the list goes on.  He never changes and neither does His love and His faithfulness.  The question is, does our love waiver and our faithfulness turn to doubt when life isn’t going so well?  If the answer is “yes” then seeking God during those times will be a joyful noise to His ears.  Seek Him and know that He is true and that His love endures forever.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila