Break Forth into Joyous Song and Sing Praises
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”
(Psalm 98:4 ESVi)
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth." Every tongue must applaud, and that with the vigour which joy of heart alone can arouse to action. As men shout when they welcome a king, so must we.
Loud hosannas, full of happiness, must be lifted up. If ever men shout for joy it should be when the Lord comes among them in the proclamation of his gospel reign. John Wesley said to his people, "Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan."
"Make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise;" or "Burst forth, and sing, and play." Let every form of exultation be used, every kind of music pressed into the service till the accumulated praise causes the skies to echo the joyful tumult.
There is no fear of our being too hearty in magnifying the God of our salvation, only we must take care that the song comes from the heart, otherwise the music is nothing but a noise in his ears, whether it be caused by human throats, or organ pipes, or far-resounding trumpets.
Loud let our hearts ring out the honours of our conquering Saviour; with all our might let us extol the Lord who has vanquished all our enemies, and led our captivity captive. He will do this best who is most in love with Jesus: -
"I've found the pearl of greatest price,
My heart doth sing for joy;
And sing I must, a Christ Ihave,
Oh, what a Christ have!"
- The Treasury of David (Public Domain)
All our life is joyous, all the way is bright, For the Saviour’s presence banishes the night; Sin has no abiding, sorrow takes its flight, When we live a life of sunshine.
Refrain: Gladness and joy fill all my soul, When I hear the Master say: "My peace I give," That makes it sunshine all the way.
Stormy clouds may gather, wild the tempest blow, But within, my soul with light is all aglow; Happiness and peace thro’ ev’ry heart will flow, If we live a life of sunshine.
When the sunshine enters, darkness flees away; Doubts and fears are scattered by its cheering ray; All along, the path grows brighter ev’ry day, When we live a life of sunshine.
Live a Life of Sunshine Author: J. Harry Crossley Tune: [All our life is joyous, all the way is bright]