Serve the LORD with gladness; come before his presence with singing.

— Psalm 100:2

Joyful noise leads to joyful service. If we are to serve the Lord joyfully, our words must become deeds. Jesus warns against hypocritical worship (Matt.15:8). How are we to serve the Lord genuinely?

We serve willingly. We are redeemed to do what God wants us to do. We serve exclusively. We cannot serve the Lord and someone else at the same time (Matt.6:24; Ex.20:2-3). Our goal is to please Him alone. Our power, wisdom and the plans for our lives come from Him alone. We serve joyfully. Sometimes we’re like the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal Son; we may do the Father’s will and work, but we are far from His heart. God doesn’t want our service to be drudgery or to be done grudgingly. That tears us down. When we serve Him and joyfully, we enjoy growth, development and excitement. Are you happy serving the Lord?

We praise God most effectively through our service to Him. Are you engaged in service to the Lord in your church or community? When you offer your service to the Lord willingly and joyfully, you glorify His name. Let your words of praise lead to acts of praise!