Make a Joyful Noise....

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Psalm 100:1-2

Psalm 100 is one of the shorter Psalms but it contains marvelous reminders of the goodness of the Lord. It begins with a call to praise, to make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! We are to be people who enjoy the Lord, who have His praise always on our lips (Ps 34:1).

We are to serve Him not as reluctant servants but as joyful children, glad to do the will of our Father.

The Psalmist tells us why these things should be: Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He, who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. He is the creator of all. We worship and enjoy the one who made us and has called us to be His people. We are His sheep. His pasture is rich and nourishing, providing comfort and safety and the delightful presence of the Good Shepherd.

We are to enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! How often are we sour and gloomy when we gather to praise God? We must use even our emotions to the glory of God, approaching Him with joy and gladness. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise! Thank the Lord and bless Him!

Remember that the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. He will never leave you nor forsake you. His love is steadfast and unending. He will be faithful to all generations of those who are His children. You people of God, make a joyful noise to the Lord!