Joyful Worship

by Macy Johnson

“Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before Him with joyful songs.”

(Psalm 100:2 NIV)

 

I attended the inaugural concert of the newly formed Madison Music Society. The Madison Singers performed spiritual, patriotic, and American folk songs. Their forty-five voices, music educators and hobbyist singers, filled the auditorium with contagious enthusiasm for their craft. Voices from the middle school chorus joined the Singers on stage in the celebration.

 

I arrived early and stepped in line when a dear friend came up and greeted me. We reconnected briefly before she joined her friends in the line. I thought how sorry I was that my husband had not come with me, when I heard a commotion at the ticket table. A woman in the line wanted to buy a ticket. She was told they were sold out, so I stepped up and offered Jeff’s ticket. God’s timing was perfect.

 

I visited with my friend and her companions before the concert. One of the ladies asked if I still accompanied choirs. She knew my church’s pianist-director and another connection was made.

 

All praise was given to God in the hour of music. Hands in the audience were raised and hearts were filled with joy as we saluted America. Those who had served in the military were invited to stand to be honored and applauded.

 

After the concert I visited with several friends I had not seen or worked with in many years. It was “old home week” and a joy to rekindle relationships. I had been introduced to the group of singers at a Tuesday night rehearsal as their substitute accompanist.

 

Paul David Tripp reminded me, “God calls us to be His tools of grace in the lives of others.”

 

I will look for opportunities of joyful worship and service. I hope you will, too!