Most of us know someone, perhaps several people, who always seem to have a frown or scowl on their face. Perhaps that person is even yourself. They never seem to be happy or joyful about anything. Sometimes we even run into these people at church, where neither joyful hymns or praise songs, reports of answered prayers, nor times of greeting others brings a smile to their face. Though there may be certain times when we might be sad or grieving over something, the Lord doesn’t want His children walking around looking like they always have sour pickles or lemons in their mouths! Our psalm for this week gives a call for believers to bring joyful praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.
In this brief psalm, the author instructs us all to bring to the Lord both praise (vs. 1-3) and thanksgiving (vs. 4-5). As we begin, the psalmist doesn’t want us to just mumble a soft or quiet, half-hearted “praise God”, but instead he calls us to give a “joyful shout”. We like to shout during sporting events. And when our favorite team wins a championship, and the city has a victory parade for the team, we can surely hear the shouting for joy among the crowds lining the streets! We cheer loudly at some parties, or when we hear a favorite speaker give a speech we agree with. If we can energetically give our vocal support to these others, why not to the Lord God? Make a joyful shout, a shout of loyalty and homage to God.
Some people have stated that the reason they rarely attend church, is that the worship services are more like attending a dour, somber funeral. Nobody smiles or seems happy to be there. Everything is stiff, severe, and forbidding. Yet here the Lord is instructing that we come before Him with joy, with gladness, and singing. I don’t think that He is referring to singing a funeral dirge sounding song, either! He is our Heavenly Father who loves us dearly. Children who have such a loving daddy give shouts of happiness when their daddy comes home, running joyfully into his arms. The Lord wants just such joy and happiness expressed from His children.
The psalmist continues with reminding us that we are God’s people, created by His hand (vs. 3). To counter the claims of atheists and humanists, the author wants us to know, to experience, and be completely assured of the truth of the existence of God. Jesus Christ is God, not Buddha, Mohammed, or any other of the myriad of false, pagan deities. God has created us, we didn’t evolve from some ape or pond algae. Since we are His special creation, we are His people. We are His sheep, and He is our Shepherd. God intimately cares for each one of us.
There are some gates, some doors that are closed to us. We aren’t able to just walk up to them, open the door or gate, and just walk in. However, the gates of God are always open, inviting us to enter His presence, and to come in and worship (vs. 4). Praising God is the first step towards entering the presence of the Lord. When we come into God’s presence, is it with a joyful and thankful heart, or are we just going through the motions? We should always remember His goodness and faithfulness, and praise Him everyday, from waking till bedtime. We need to beware of ever becoming unthankful and ungrateful to the Lord for all that He has done for us (II Timothy 3:1-5).
We are called to bless God’s Name (vs. 4). That means recognizing it is higher than any other Name. We affirm His power and goodness, and commit ourselves to joining His cause.
Believers who are still dour and sour need to be convinced of God’s great goodness (vs. 5). He is the source and perfect example of goodness. The Lord is not a distant, angry, wrathful God. He is love and goodness itself. God’s mercy and unfailing love is everlasting. He is faithful, and keeps his promises. God’s goodness is revealed in His actions. All that He does is just and right because He cannot violate His own nature. God cannot and does not change. Every breath we take is given to us by Him. He loves us beyond all knowing, and watches over and provides for all of our needs.
If we know and truly believe all this, can we continue on with a scowling, sour demeanor any longer, especially in our church and worship services? I hardly think so! We need to be joyful, filled with gladness, praise, and thanksgiving to the Lord Jesus, each and every day!
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