"shout For Joy To The Lord"

“Shout for Joy to the Lord”

Psalm 100

Theologians have often pointed out that we human beings tend to engage in acts of worship, whether we believe in God or not.

We all have objects that we praise: a musical instrument, an actor or actress or even an awesome view.

“It’s amazing or awe-inspiring or magnificent,” we might say, making it clear that we have come upon something that is truly praiseworthy.

Now, whether this praise rises to the level of worship, is, of course, questionable; but the terminology we use does indicate it is a form of praise that is pretty intense and can continue over a long period of time.

We all have things we have a devotion for, and they aren’t all directed to God.

We only need to go to an occasional football game, rock concert, or political rally in order to see or even be a part of the sort of adoration and praise that are kind of hard to distinguish from worship.

If, say, an alien from another planet were to land on earth and try and figure out what we worship—based on how we spend our time, energy and money—would sports, power, politics, movies, rock stars and other things be higher on the list than God?

Of course, God alone is worthy of worship and praise, but, if you are like me, we do sometimes find ourselves engaged in something very much like worship with things that are not God.

And that is dangerous.

It can lead us down the wrong path, hurt us spiritually, mentally and cause us to lose sight of who and Whose we are.

It’s no fun being a “lost” Christian, shall we say.

One of the reasons for the Psalms in general, and particularly Psalm 100, is to help us clarify, reaffirm and remember the true object of our worship: God alone!

Originally, Psalm 100 was written for the people of Israel.

God had basically said to them, “When you come into the promised land, and settle down in your warm homes, and have plenty to eat…don’t forget Me!”

“I led you out of the wilderness and I brought you into a land flowing with milk and honey.”

But it doesn’t take long to realize that the people of Israel needed a reminder, and we need a reminder as well—daily, perhaps minute by minute, even.

I believe God had us in mind, as well as the first hearers, when this Psalm was written.

For instance, notice to whom it is addressed.

The first verse says it’s addressed to “all the earth,” and the last verse says that it includes “all generations.”

Who is excited about Thanksgiving?

I have to say that it is my favorite holiday.

It’s not overly commercialized, and it is a time to be thankful.

And the importance of giving thanks to God is so deep and so wide that it applies to every person of every generation who has ever lived.

It brightens our mood, helps us to get our priorities back in place and is important for our spiritual, mental and physical health.

In other words, giving thanks is good for us.

And I think it is because it is what we are created to do.

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines the word “Thanksgiving” as “a formal public expression of thanks to God.”

And there is something about giving thanks together to God that breaks down barriers between people and brings about a common unity.

Ever sat in a prayer meeting with folks who are much different than you?

Ever pray for one another and praise God in that kind of setting?

You know what I’m talking about.

Psalm 100 is a hymn that was sung while entering the Temple, and it probably was done in connection with a thanksgiving ceremony.

Let’s look at what the Psalm emphasizes; let’s just scan the Psalm.

In verse 1 we find the name of the Lord.

In verse 2 we find the name of the Lord.

In verse 3 we find the name of the Lord.

In verse 4 it says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving,” and in verse 5 we are told: “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

This is the basis of our thanksgiving—The Lord!!!

Alex Haley, the author of “Roots,” had an unusual picture hanging on his office wall.

It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post.

When asked, “Why is that there?” Haley would answer, “Every time I write something significant, every time I read my words and think that they are wonderful and I begin to feel proud of myself, I look down at the turtle on top of the fence post and remember that he didn’t get there on his own.