August 3, 2023 — Psalm 100

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the LORD is God.

It is he that made us, and we are his; 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 steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100

This psalm teaches how and why we are to gather to worship our G-d. Some believe that this psalm was the conclusion of six psalms used in worship when the people would be approaching the temple. These would be sung by the congregation entering the temple proper. At times it accompanied the thank offering. Worshipers would recite, sing, or chant this psalm as part of their praise.

I have often recited this psalm when someone tells me they cannot sing, nor have nothing to offer G-d musically. I will look to them and say: the Lord asks us to make a joyful “noise” — not only the polished, well-rehearsed noise.

The covenant of grace set down in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament deserves our vocal prayer, praise and thanksgiving. There is no place where it is said that our song, our voices must be well-rehearsed. Oh, we do want to give G-d our best, no matter what. But how sad it seems to me when too many choose not to lift up their voices because they think theirs is inadequate. Let us take every opportunity and give every reason to praise the Lord when we look to lift up our songs about the Lord’s goodness and mercy.

Prayer

Lord our God, we come before you with thanksgiving and praise, for you have created us as your people and you sustain us with your hand. Nourish us in your rich pasture and keep us in your steadfast love, that we may bless your name and serve you with gladness day after day; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Pastor Dave