November 15, 2021 – Psalms 96-100

We all have vivid memories from growing up, and one of them for me is the memorizing of Psalm 100 in the third grade at Kingsford Elementary School in Mulberry, Florida. There’s a clear theme in these Psalms, that is, the worship and praise of God. “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods” (95:5). He alone is worthy of worship. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods” (96:3,4). His glory is seen and acknowledged everywhere. “The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory” (97:6). Because of his great works, we sing to him a new song (98:1). He sits enthroned above all his creation (99:1). So, we make a joyful noise to the Lord. We serve him with gladness. We enter his presence with thanksgiving and praise. We bless his name. (100)

That’s a good way to begin the day, praising and thanking the Lord, perhaps, by singing

Now thank we all our God

with heart and hands and voices,

who wondrous things has done,

in whom his world rejoices;

who from our mothers' arms

has blessed us on our way

with countless gifts of love,

and still is ours today. –Martin Rinkart (1636)