Today is June 9.
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
This Psalm is overflowing with worship to God! It’s the kind of worship you’re supposed to listen to with the volume up, singing your heart out in community, dancing... clapping... singing... when was the last time you entered into a moment of worship that felt like that?
Worship is obedience, and a discipline, and also a freeing joy. So often, we feel freer at football games or concerts than we do during corporate worship. Listen to the psalmist again, and try to imagine yourself in a sea of God’s people, singing and dancing these words to the Lord.
Each line in this Psalm holds so much. As we come to the close of our time of prayer, meditate on these words: the world is firmly established, it cannot be moved.... Does that truth bring joy, or consolation to you today?
Music Credit:
You Are Good - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)