Check out Psalm 100 by clicking here.
How Psalm 100 Speaks to Me:
The first verse of this Psalm doesn’t speak to me. It screams out! It is telling me to make a joyful noise to you, Lord! It comes as a demand from you to all of your people, Jews and Gentiles, and believers and nonbelievers alike. After reading the introduction, if I close my eyes it brings images to my mind of One and the time we spend together worshiping you. It also reminds me of worship at Big Stuf and the amazing feeling of letting go of my inhibitions and truly and freely worshiping you with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.
The second verse is telling me to come before you with joy and gladness in my heart. It also reassures me that I can speak to you and give you my praise anywhere and just as I am. It gives me comfort that I can worship you and give praises to you in your house, in my house, in my car, or even in the back yard.
Verse three reminds me that you designed each of us as unique individuals to accomplish tasks and goals that you have predetermined for us. It also tells me that no matter what, you are watching over me, just as a shepherd watches over his flocks or a father watches over his child. The words bring a calming feeling to know that I have no need to worry because you are always looking out for me.
I’ve given verse four some real thought. I am uncertain if the reference to “entering into his gates” is alluding to entering the Church / temple or the house of the Lord. It could possibly be alluding to entering into the kingdom of Heaven. Maybe the Psalmist is simply reminding me here to speak to the you, Lord in prayer (wherever I am). I believe the key to the verse is “entering (into prayer) with thanksgiving”. It reminds me to give thanks to you for each and every blessing that you bring in to my life, from the air that I breathe, to the water I drink, to the family and friends that I am so blessed to have. After giving it some serious thought, I believe that that the words are reminding me to give thanks to you in prayer, and not simply to pray for “things” (e.g., God, please let me get that raise; God, please let me find the means to take that awesome tropical vacation, etc., etc., etc.). The instruction to enter your courts with praise probably has a more broad meaning than my individual interpretation. However, since the law is my profession, it speaks to me individually and reminds me that by giving my praise and the glory to God, I set an example for others, believers and non-believers. That example is part of my day-to-day life, including my profession, my personal life, and my public life. It also reminds me that I am called to bring others to the Lord. Witnessing has always been tough for me, but this verse reminds me of that very important calling.
Verse five just assures me that God, you will keep your word. It makes me believe that even when things are tough and even when I am being tested, you will never fail me.
In Christ,
Lori Rose
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2 comments:
I agree with Lori who wrote the blog entry for today, the opening of this psalm is telling us to scream out loud so the whole world can hear our praises to God. I love how the writer talks about God's ownership of us and how that connects to how much he loves us. His love is so amazing. I really like the last line of this psalm. To me it says that God's love endures forever and I can't do anything to get rid of it. "God's "faithful continues through all generations." What a great way to take each step of every day knowing that God loves you without limitations.
I'm so amazed that God actually allows us into His presence. He invites us to come to Him. "Come before Him, singing with joy." But also to come to Him when we are tired and frustrated, to embrace Him when we need to be comforted, to dance for Him when we are overjoyed...
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