May 28, 2023 - Psalms 98-102

Psalm 100 was the first psalm I memorized as a child. It was in my fourth grade class taught by Mr. Defean, perhaps my favorite teacher of all time. Of course, I memorized it from the KJV. It goes like this:

A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Charles Spurgeon observed – regarding “Make a joyful noise” – “The original word signifies a glad shout, such as loyal subjects give when their king appears among them. Our happy God should be worshiped by a happy people.” We should be a happy people! I have never understood (well, maybe I have) the person who professes to know God and who seems always gloomy and downcast. For those who truly know the Lord, however, it is easy to sing:

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay. --George W. Cooke (1921)