I know this morning’s observation isn’t a first-time observation. So, I look back in my journal and see that 2008 appears to have been when it first struck me. And since then, it has stuck with me. I journaled on it again in 2015, and in 2022. And this morning, once more, I am struck by the thought that singing is serving.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!

(Psalm 100:1-2 ESV)

Making a joyful noise to the LORD . . . Serving the LORD . . . Coming into the presence of the LORD with singing . . .

That’s not three different commands to obey. And I don’t think it’s two with one sandwiched between another repeated. But the structure of these opening lyrics seems to be a thrice beckoning to the people of God to do one grand thing. To sing. Thus, singing is serving!

And in case we missed the ask, the songwriter repeats it again.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
       and His courts with praise!
       Give thanks to Him; bless His name!

(Psalm 100:4 ESV)

Wanna serve God? Sing to God. Wanna work for Him? Worship Him. Wanna attend to Him? Ascribe to Him the glory due His name.

We may not all be preachers or teachers. Not all of us can lock ourselves in a room with babies, or preschoolers, or –Lord give us strength– 5th grade boys. Not everyone is able to put themselves out there to be a greeter. Not everyone can play an instrument. Not everyone is of sound enough body to help with set up and tear down. Many of us don’t know our spiritual gifting. Some of us are still too unsure of who we are in Christ to step up or step out and say, “Here am I. Use me!”

But all of us can sing. All of us can make a joyful noise. There’s not a believer who doesn’t have reason to give thanksgiving. Not a soul saved who doesn’t want to praise God for their salvation. No one who has been sealed with the Spirit’s residency that doesn’t want to bless the Lord.

So, just do it! Sing! Come into the LORD’s presence and serve!

And regardless of whether you can carry a tune or even know what it means to “sing on key”, as you make your joyful noise to the LORD hear your Master respond, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21).

Singing is serving. Worship is what God wants. Praise is prized in the courts of the King.

Go for it!

By His grace. For His glory.