A Word from Psalm 95

If you were going to sing a song to God this morning that reflects the state of your heart, what would it be? Would it be something that reflects a sense of burden, like “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”? Or would it be a song that pulses with joy, like “Walkin’ on Sunshine”? Would your song be slow and reflective, or upbeat and encouraging? And if God was going to sing a song to you this morning, what would that be?

Well, I think about these questions as I read today’s word from Psalm 95, which does invite us to offer God a song. “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord,” the psalmist says; “let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” (vs. 1-2)

And why would we do that? Well, the psalm offers at least two reasons. For starters, “For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.” (v. 3) He created us and the world in which we live, and He holds us all in the palm of His hands. But it’s not only “who God is” that inspires our song. It’s also “who we are” in relationship to Him: “for He is our God,” the psalmist declares, “and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.” (v. 7)

And because our song is rooted in God’s nature and God’s love for us, His song is one of longing. “Today, if only you would hear His voice,” the psalmist says, because God is singing, “Do not harden your hearts….” (vs. 7-8) Abide in my presence. Listen to my words. Trust in my plan for you. And live like someone who realizes the grace in which you stand.

One of the prophets writes, “The Lord your God is living among you…He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zeph. 3:17) So, let’s rejoice in Him today and carry a song in our hearts that acknowledges His loving care. Amen.