Psalm 100 is one of the shortest psalms, but it packs a powerful message. In our troublesome times and amid the personal challenges we may be facing, thanksgiving is always in order. I don’t know about you, but the burden of my worries and anxiety lightens a bit when I stop to reflect on God’s goodness and care in my life. Our prayers and petitions should always be sprinkled with a heavy dose of gratitude. One of my favorite scriptural passages is Paul’s instruction in Philippians 4:6 “..in everything by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God.”
Psalm 100 tells us to “Shout joyfully to the Lord.” I’m afraid I’m too reserved in my praise of the Lord. When I say a mild “thank you” I should be shouting for all the goodness God has brought into my life! How about you?
Why should we be shouting out the praises of our Lord? What do you see as you investigate this psalm?
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord himself is God; it is He who made us and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name, for the Lord is good. His lovingkindness is everlasting and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100: 1-5)
What is there to love about God? This psalm answers that question and tells us what our response should be. Here are some of my “takeaways” from what I see here.
Why do we have reason to be joyful? “For the Lord is good. His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.” (v.5) One thing that gives me hope and stabilizes me as I see the cruelty in our world and deal with my challenges is the conviction that God is good. I sometimes wish He would act more quickly and directly with lots of what I’m seeing. However, I know He is good and is not ignoring evil. I’m so glad He will work in everything in my life for my good. I may not be comfortable with some of things He allows but He is most interested in my character, making me more like Jesus. In that, I am joyful.
Because I belong to God, I can join Him in meaningful service. Belonging to God anchors me in a purpose that is higher than myself. I can do things to help others and “lay up treasures for myself in heaven.” In addition to singing praise to the Lord, the psalmist tells us to complete our worship by serving Him, “Serve the Lord with gladness.” (v.2) Whenever the Lord leads us to encourage or help someone let’s do it with a good spirit. Remember, when we serve others we are serving the Lord.
We have reason for joyful living because we belong to the King of Heaven and Earth. He is the One True God, beside Him there is no other. “Know that the Lord himself is God. It is He who has made us and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” (v.3) There is a real sense that every believer belongs to God in two ways. First, like all people, He has created or made us. Secondly, we have become His dear children by grace through faith. Ephesians 2: 8 confirms this for us, ” For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God.” It is appropriate to thank God daily for the salvation He has given us through Jesus!
As your day begins, as the hours pass, and as you lie down to rest take time to think about the Lord and offer Him praise. Throughout your day, turn to your good Father with a grateful heart for all He has done for you. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name.” (v.4)