Scripture:
Psalm 96:1-13 ESV
[1] Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! [2] Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. [3] Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! [4] For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. [5] For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. [6] Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. [7] Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord’s glory and strength! [8] Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! [9] Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! [10] Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” [11] Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar and all that fills it; [12] let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy [13] before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the people in his faithfulness.
Observation:
The author of this psalm is not identified. While I was reading, the thought crossed my mind that this guy got it. His desires to worship and to sing to the LORD are what caught my attention. However, singing is not the only way that he identifies as an avenusssse for worship. In verse 2, he says, “tell of HIS salvation from day to day.” The statement is very important. It shows us that there is more to worship than just a few songs before someone takes to the pulpit to preach. Telling others about how glorious our heavenly father is is, in fact, a wonderful way to worship. This psalmist not only identifies HIM for who HE is, but he tells of HIS character. That kind of wisdom only comes from someone who has sought the face of GOD. Just a few of the ways he identifies the LORD… worthy of praise, full of splendor, holy, and righteous. This list could honestly go on for days. Identifying GOD’S Characteristics is how this psalmist not only worshiped the LORD but reminded himself who GOD is. Knowing who GOD is and knowing HIS character added something to this man’s worship that could not be mistaken. It was a reverence and respect. Knowing that one day, he would stand in front of the one who made him and give an honest account of his faithfulness to YAHWAH.
Application:
My heart desires to worship my heavenly father, not just by song but with how I live. Proclaiming HIS deeds Knowing HIS character showing how HE radically transformed my life. Talking about HIS glory and majesty. Living in reverence and submission to HIM and HIS word. I was in a group of me last night where the topic of discussion was turning over my will and my life to the care of GOD. My thought was there is no one better to handle my life and the path I’m on than the one who made me and placed me here. Seeking GOD’S characteristics daily finding out who HE is. Gives me a desire to serve HIM in ways I have never had. Some might call this the fear of the LORD. I see it as I never want to disappoint HIM again. When you see the LORD for how good HE is, the statement ” fear of the LORD” takes on a new meaning. You stop seeing HIM as a GOD sitting in heaven with lightning bolt in hand waiting to strike you at the first mistake and start seeing HIM as a kind loving GOD who’s gentle guidance brought you to the understanding of HIS character and a changed desire to please HIM reathe then your flesh. I am a changed man. Because my heavenly father thought enough of me to show me HIS character. HE heard my prayer, and HE answered. That’s why I seek HIS face.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, show us who you are. Let us see the depth of your goodness. Help us to seek a deeper understanding of you. We could spend a hand seeking the blessings of your hand and never know the plan you have for us unless we seek your face. I pray that you would allow us to show others the changes you have made in our lives and be the change we want to see. Your hand is good, but your face is wonderful. Your word says, “If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves, turn from their wicked ways, and pray seek my face. I would… we want to know your character so we can act accordingly out of reverence and love for you, knowing you are holy and righteous, and that all you do is out of love. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.