Making a Joyful Noise
By Mimi Rothschild
When visiting friends last year, I had the opportunity to visit some homeschooling friends of mine on the other side of Pennsylvania. With eight children, their house is often a chaotic maelstrom of activity. My time spent at their house is usually marked by loud yelps, whines, stomping and running as the mother and I enjoy coffee.
On this particular morning however, I entered to find an unusually serene family. They invited me to sit down in one corner as their family commenced their weekly worship time. Each child held an instrument. Some were makeshift drums and tambourines, others were actual store-bought instruments like piano and flute. As we sang the first song, the rumble of hands on drums (in this case laundry baskets and buckets) increased. Tender voices and handclaps lifted up to the heavens.
This image almost brought me to tears. Here was a family that was worshipping the Lord together in upmost sincerity. Each child was praising according to his talents. Sometimes it was a disorganized din, other times a beautiful, quiet, melody with closed eyes and open hearts. It was always heartfelt and ultimately joyful.
What an amazing event! How can evil hope to stand against this family! The family that comes together to worship the Lord is a powerful force in His army. With every note, this family was taking ground against the Enemy. It wasn’t just a worship service, it was spiritual warfare at its purest.
I would encourage you to think about how you can incorporate a worship time in your family. You don’t need six kids or expensive instruments, just a desire to give glory to God. I think you will be surprised at how your children will behave. The desire to please Him exists within your child’s heart. This is just one creative way to bring it out.