“A Psalm for Giving Thanks. 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.” Psalm 100
In a world of suffering, heartache, death, injustice, and confusion, there is a great need for praising God. After all that we have gone through the past few months and the unraveling of western civilization that we are seeing daily in the news, we need to focus our attention on praising God.
We are going to take a few weeks break from the book of Ezra this summer to spend a some time in the book of Psalms. This songbook of the Old Testament helps us to focus our praise upon God for His love and His faithfulness.
I found during this time of pandemic that singing more and preparing for worship each Sunday has helped me greatly when I feel overwhelmed by the things happening all around me. It sets my heart and my focus back on the one who controls all things and who sustains us in trying times.
I hope that you will find these messages helpful and encouraging as we take a quick look at six Psalms in the Old Testament. The beginning and end of this weekly thought are two of the Psalms we will be looking at.
Depending on weather and family we will have our public reception of our new member soon and that week we will be in the book of Titus.
“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” Psalm 111