“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (v1-5)
This short yet impactful Psalm is simply titled “A Psalm for giving thanks.” It’s short enough that even I could memorize it (maybe… I’m poor at memorization).
The first main section covers the “what” and “why” of praise. The “what” is to make a joyful noise unto God and serve Him with gladness – that seems straightforward. “Why?” He is God, our Creator, our Sovereign, and we are His people (aka sheep).
The second section covers the “what” and “why” of thanksgiving. The “what” is have a spirit of thankfulness when in His presence (which is always, by the way). “Why?” The Lord is good, He exhibits steadfast love, and He is forever faithful.
This idealistic Psalm shows us what the world would look like if “all the earth” were to praise and serve Him. There would be abundant joy and celebration, with no mention of pain, sorrow, or suffering. It would be the perfect world.
What does this mean for us today, when this is not our current experience of the world? I would posit the thought: “We begin changing the world.” The best way I can think of to do that, is by changing the world one person at a time.
First, we change our own approach to praise and thanksgiving – if we aren’t consistently praising and thanking God, why would we expect others to do it? Second, we model it to our families, friends and church by simply engaging in worship and service. If enough people begin modelling how to praise and be thankful, then eventually it will spread, hopefully to the entire world. The approach of modelling praise and thankfulness worked well in the early church, and there’s no reason to think it won’t work today: “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Ac 2:46-47)
Father God, we Your people praise You and serve You, our Sovereign Creator and Lord. We are forever grateful for Your steadfast love and faithfulness to us, Your people. Father please renew our hearts to be hearts of praise and thanksgiving. Please transform us into being of pure worship, that we may joyfully serve You, wholeheartedly, and without hesitation. May our engagement with You be an example to those around us, so they may see Your glory through us, and choose to follow You as well. With Your help may we fulfill our highest calling of bringing glory to our Savior and King. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training