Introduction

Good morning, dear beloved. I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has gathered us here today to share in the richness of His word. We gather not as strangers, but as a family united under the banner of His love. Isn't it wonderful to know that we are all part of this divine family? That we are all loved by the same God who created the heavens and the earth?

Today, we turn our hearts to the 100th Psalm. A psalm that is a beautiful symphony of praise, a testament to the goodness of God, and a guide for all who seek to honor Him. Let us read together.

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." - Psalm 100 (NIV)

Isn't that a beautiful passage? A call to praise, a reminder of our place in His creation, and an affirmation of His eternal goodness. It's a psalm that invites us to harness heartfelt happiness, to honor His holiness, and to harvest hope through humility.

In the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, "Praise is the rent which God requires for the use of his mercies." Isn't it just fitting then, that we take this time today to give Him praise, to give Him thanks, and to honor Him with our lives?

Let us pray.

Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. We thank You for the gift of Your word, which guides us, nurtures us, and brings us closer to You. As we delve into this psalm today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds. May our study not just be an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual journey that draws us closer to You. May we not just hear Your word, but live it out in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let's get started.

Harnessing Heartfelt Happiness

In the heart of every believer, there is a wellspring of joy. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the unchanging nature of our God. It is a joy that comes from knowing that we are loved by the Creator of the universe, that we are part of His divine family, and that we have a purpose in His grand design. This joy is not a fleeting emotion, but a deep-seated happiness that permeates every aspect of our lives.

Tap into this wellspring of joy: We are able to serve the Lord with gladness, as the psalmist encourages us to do. Serving the Lord is not a burdensome duty, but a delightful privilege. It is an opportunity to express our love for God, to participate in His work, and to experience His presence in a profound way. When we serve the Lord with gladness, we are not just going through the motions, but engaging in a meaningful relationship with our Creator.

Coming before His presence with singing: Singing is a powerful form of worship, a way of expressing our love for God, our gratitude for His blessings, and our awe of His majesty. When we sing to the Lord, we are not just making a joyful noise, but pouring out our hearts to Him. We are not just singing about God, but singing to God, engaging in a personal and intimate form of worship.

The attitude of our hearts: It's about approaching God with a sense of awe and reverence, acknowledging His greatness and expressing our love for Him. It's about recognizing that we are in the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords, and responding with heartfelt worship.

Knowing that the Lord is God: This knowledge is not just intellectual, but experiential. It's about experiencing God's power in our lives, witnessing His faithfulness, and recognizing His hand in everything around us. It's about realizing that God is not just a distant deity, but a personal God who is intimately involved in our lives.

Knowing that God is our Creator: It's a reminder that we are not here by chance, but by divine design. It's a reminder that we are not just insignificant specks in the universe, but beloved children of God. It's a reminder that we are not just passing through this world, but have a purpose and a destiny in God's eternal plan.

Being the people of God and the sheep of His pasture: This is a profound privilege. It's a privilege that comes with the assurance of God's care, the comfort of His presence, and the promise of His provision. It's a privilege that gives us a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, and a sense of security. It's a privilege that fills our hearts with joy and our lives with meaning.

Honoring His Holiness

We find ourselves drawn to the second verse of this psalm, "Serve the Lord with gladness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO