Psalm 100

This is a thank you psalm written probably after the temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt, after being destroyed by the Babylonians. It encourages all humanity (v1) to know and celebrate the goodness of the LORD by examining our attitudes we bring before the LORD. Firstly, we are exhorted to shout joyfully to the LORD; this means to make a joyful loud noise to the One who saves and delivers. There is no need to be ashamed to declare what the good LORD has done for you and me.

Secondly, we demonstrate our love for Him through worship and service (v2). This we do so through joyful singing - note that it's a hilarious time of connecting with our God and not simply going through the motions of singing. Our service to Him must also be marked by gladness and not be seen as a choreful duty. Thirdly, as we move from joyful celebration to contemplative worship, we're reminded of the fact that the God whom we worship is our Creator and Shepherd. We are but creatures of the earth (finite), the sheep of His pasture (cared for by Him).

People in the OT time would bring an animal sacrifice together with a meal as part of thanksgiving offering to the LORD (Lev 7:11-12). Hence the exhortation to enter the gates of the temple with thanksgiving and into the courts with praise (v4). As believers under the new covenant, the thanksgiving and praise sacrifices we bring before the LORD is the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name (Heb 13:15). Thank God for the blessings you have received each week and praise Him for His lovingkindness and faithfulness throughout all generations (v5). Indeed, our God is good all the time, even though things may not seem to be the way you want it to be.

Today marks the 9th anniversary of 9/11. It is a day of great loss and grief; a day where the atrocities of evil are made manifest. We pray for the families who are still affected by this great tragedy and at the same time pray that the works of terrorism would not prosper. And as the psalmist would say, "That the man who is of the earth may cause terror no more." (Ps 10:18b).