The Psalms are a tremendous source of joy and praise. They are especially helpful in troubled times like our nation has experienced lately. Here are some highlights:
In Psalm 4 David said, “Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy.”
In Psalm 5 he said, “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy! (11)
In Psalm 16 he said, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” This is also a Psalm referring to Jesus.
In Psalm 19 David praises the Lord for his Law- “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” (8)
In Psalm 20 he says, “We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.” (5)
In Psalm 27 he rejoices in victory over fear, “Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy.” (6)
In Psalm 28 he thanks the Lord for help, “My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (7)
In Psalm 30 David thanks the Lord for lifting him up, “You have turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” (11)
Psalm 33 admonishes us to “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous…play skillfully and shout for joy.”
Psalm 47 instructs us to “clap your hands, all you nations, shout to God with cries of joy…God has ascended amid shouts of joy.” (1, 5) Picture God ascending to his throne, or Jesus ascending to his right hand!
In Psalm 51 David confesses his sin and then asks God to “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” (12)
In Psalm 65 he says, “Where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.” (8)
As New Testament believers, we can see that the church in worship today represents God’s presence on the earth. He dwells in the praises of his people. We are his temple built with living stones. (I Peter 2:5-9) Jesus said he would be with us wherever two or more come together in his Name. What a joy and privilege it is to experience some of the worship depicted in the Psalms! It is even more joyful today with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives
Lord, we celebrate all the reasons to praise you and we rejoice in you. Thank you that we can do that personally each day by turning to your word. Thank you for your special presence in the assembly of your people to worship. We celebrate victories over sin, fear, and worry. We thank you for all the ways you help us and that gives us joy. We celebrate your truth and the Power of your Word in the midst of a messed up world. We are tired of fake news, but we thank you for real news and the gospel of Jesus that brings us lasting joy. Thank you that you renew our joy after we confess our sins. We also praise you for victory over the accuser that tries to condemn us and we claim the victory of forgiveness, cleansing and restoration! Help us to see the many ways in which creation itself praises you: in the sunrise, the sunset, the diverse animal kingdom, the flowers and the trees and all the beauty of nature. And we praise you for the glimpses of your creative power in the beauty of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.