Worship is the correct response for Gods’ people who are recipients of his benefits. This truth is the primary theme of this Psalm, which is a hymn of praise. While it is believed it was written after a major national victory, historians are uncertain as to which event in Israel history it refers to. What we do know is the Psalmist calls Gods’ people to rejoice in the Lord, thus, “Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!” (v1). Here are two exhortations on praise we can glean from the opening verses of this Psalm:
Our God-given gifts are an offering of praise. God desires to receive his glory due from his people. With a heart of gratitude, we are to offer the best of our skills and talents to him as form of our spiritual worship. In ancient Israel (in response to Gods’ goodness), they sang and played musical instruments that produced an ensemble of praise unto God, thus, “Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!” (v2). Remember, God has given us all way to lift up our hearts to him, whether one has the gift of voice or musical composition. Further, even if a Christian is not skilled at singing, or instrument playing, all can lift a melody to him! All can shout! All we need is a joy in the Lord! Hallelujah!
Our praise is rooted in relationship with God, not ritual. It very easy to be lured into complacent slumber in the routine of Sunday worship. In an affluent society, we are so accustomed to placing our affections and hope in earthly matters, which produces dry worship. Connection with God is lost in a self-sufficient life. A heart set to depend on God for life and future will witness his delivering strength in our lacking and weaknesses (cf., 2 Cor 12:9-10). What stirs up joy in our heart is to experience the mercy of God in these seasons. Such joy keeps our worship fresh and brings forth renewed praise in our hearts. The children of Israel experienced this truth when God delivered them from the might and power of Pharaoh by make away of escape through the Red Sea. The “Song of Moses” was scribed as an praise offering to God for his mercies upon his people. In corporate worship, they sang a “new song” unto the Lord. Let us be encouraged with this excerpt, “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea” (Ex 15:1). God was their strength and song. Such praise springs forth from a heart overflowing in God’s mercy. This is why the Psalmist in our focus text calls us (as recipients of such mercies through Jesus Christ) to, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts” (v3).
Remember, we were created to worship because of God’s steadfast love upon us. A self-sufficient life is full of life-less affection towards our Creator. In contrast, a Christ-dependent life is overflowing with joy as its natural response for receiving God’s benefits. A Christ-dependent life recognizes that HE is owed all the credit and glory for everything we have and are. Even the very air we breathe is filled with his mercy. Let us rejoice in this truth! Let us give him our best for he is worthy!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com