stephen R Harrison

Two words come to mind when I read Psalm 100 – joyful (vv. 1-2) and thankful (v. 4). The psalmist instructs God’s people to shout for joy, worship with gladness, and sing joyful songs (vv. 1-2). It seems shouting, worshipping, and singing can not be joyful at times. A shout can convey pain, fear, and even anger. We can display sadness, grief, and concern in our worship. Our singing can even be somber and reflective at times. However, the psalmist believes there is reason to celebrate with joy because of verse 3. “Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His. We are the sheep of His pasture.” “Know” means “a confidence based upon experience; a certainty.” It carries with it the undertone of being able to distinguish between truth and lie. It is different from guess and even hope. The sureness of God being Lord, Creator, and the Good Shepherd should fill us with joy expressed through shouts, worship, and singing! “Lord” communicates His sovereignty over everything. “Creator” reminds He formed everything out of nothing. “Shepherd” reveals the loving redemption and ownership we have in Him. We can shout with conviction, worship with boldness, and sing with faith because our God is Lord, Creator, and Shepherd!

The psalmist also says these attributes of God should cause us great thanksgiving. Joy and thanksgiving should go hand-in-hand. Thanksgiving balances joy and keeps it from turning selfish. Joy balances thanksgiving and keeps it from turning inward. Thanksgiving keeps us from complaining. Joy keeps us from sadness. Joy and thanksgiving result in praise! We are thankful for His goodness, love, and faithfulness (v. 5). When we come to the Lord, it should be with a thankful heart instead of an ungrateful attitude. We can focus too often on what we do not have or what we think we need and let that be all we approach God about. Our words in prayer can all too often be about lack and want. While it’s good to ask the Lord for things we need, thanksgiving reminds of all He has done and gives hope of what He will do because of His goodness, love, and faithfulness. We need not worry but be joyful! We need not panic but praise! We are His – He redeemed us. We are His – He created us. We are His – He shepherds us. He is good! He is loving! He is faithful! These continue “forever” and “through all generations” and give us great comfort, peace, and endurance. No wonder we shout, worship, and sing with joy and thanksgiving in our praise and worship!

Questions:

1. Is your shout one of fear or faith?
2. Is your worship a joy or a job?
3. Does your singing resonate from a thankful heart?

Prayer:
Lord, help me be joyful and thankful. I am satisfied and pleased by your continual goodness, love, and faithfulness. You are the Good Shepherd, Creator, and Lord of my life. I am Yours and You are mine! I confidently know, shout, sing, praise, and worship unto You with joy and thanksgiving. Thank You for creating me. Thank You for redeeming me. Thank You for filling me with Your Spirit Who brings joyful and thankful obedience and devotion. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.