Psalm 96 – Be Like The Trees

Read Psalm 96

I love this psalm. I love to sing praise to the Lord as some of you may know.  I’ve been singing in praise bands on Sunday morning for nearly 20 years and can’t imagine not lifting my voice in song. Like the trees, we need to sing for joy – we are loved by a King!

There is no lament here, nor fear or dread. The psalmist is not calling out for destruction of his enemies either. This is an example of pure praise. Adoration of our God at its finest. From start to finish the focus is on our most holy God.

If there was ever a question of how to worship God or why, this psalm is your answer. We are given a blueprint here to follow. For now, we can sing, tell, publish, bring offering, all great ways to honor a God who is savior, creator, strong, beautiful, glorious, amazing, holy, king, fair judge, truth! My heart beats just a little faster (in a good way) with the tone of this psalm.

Some great word pictures are found in this psalm, too. Do you have a favorite? What about “crops bursting forth with  joy!” or “All the earth trembles.” Are you trembling with expectation and awe? No fear here! Maybe you have your own picture of what joy looks like. Feel free to share in the comments below.

God is righteous and wants us all to be close to him. He offered us salvation through Jesus. Even MORE reason to rejoice and be glad. The psalmist had the right idea, and we need to be like him in mind and heart. Our hearts shall rejoice!

I am also reminded in verse 7 that there are many who do not know God. They don’t recognize him or his mighty works. Still others have turned away from God for some reason. This God loves and protects. It’s the world and people in it that have put sin between many and God. There are hurts and deep wounds keeping many from the saving grace of God. Oh, that they would recognize God in his splendor!

Let’s pray. Lord thank you for such a beautiful world. Your creation is astounding. To consider the intricacy of our bodies alone is mind boggling. When I look around at the blooming plants, grass, flowers, change of season, free will, and even flooding and devastation, I stand in awe. You are in it all, and your creation responds. Your peace is free to all amidst the chaos of society. I give you my life and look forward to walking with you each day. Protect my family. Help me help others, and may the focus always be on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.