A Joyful Noise
Psalm 100:1-2
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs
Preschoolers aren’t known for singing on pitch, or even on key! This is one of the many reasons that make me a perfect fit to teach them. While God has gifted me with a love for music, He has also gifted me with a sub-par singing voice. While leading music in Preschool Worship, I rely on DVD’s and CD’s with someone else’s lead voice to lead the preschoolers in music. I do, however, try to teach them the heart behind WHY we are singing, and WHO we are singing to. As with adults, sometimes the kids are not “feeling” the music, and we usually don’t have 100% participation during our worship time. We pair motions with the music, so if a child isn’t up to singing that morning, he may participate by moving along with the music. I have repeatedly told them that when they’re singing, it is not to show ME how beautiful their voices are, but rather to praise and worship our Almighty God. So, if they are goofing off, or talking to their friends during our worship time, they are being rude to God Himself. After many weeks of talking about the importance of worship music, and how our participation shows God love, I have noticed an increase in participation by my students. It warms my heart to see our sweet children singing scripture songs with hands raised. Our verse this month is Genesis 28:15a –“Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go”. I can’t think of a better verse to get into the hearts and minds of our children – this promise from God that He will always be with us, and always watch over us! Part of our curriculum from the Gospel Project for Preschoolers is putting the Unit’s scripture verse to music and motions. This week as we were singing in worship, one of my students who never sings (and usually doesn’t participate in the music at all) was singing loudly this scripture. He was off key, and off beat, and probably way off pitch. But his singing voice brought tears to my eyes as he’s worshipping God right there in my classroom. He was worshipping God with gladness, and coming before Him with joyful songs. I was so thankful to be in that moment, listening to this sweet child (who is so desperately loved by God) sing his praises happily. In this month of thankfulness, I am truly thankful for these reminders by God that I am in the right place, serving the right people, in the right church. Thank you, God, for that gift!
