“Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.’
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.” Psalm 96:1-13
Oh sing! Tell from day to day! Declare among the nations! Ascribe due glory! Worship all the earth! God’s majesty and might, His splendor and dominion, His strength and beauty fill heavens and earth and are to be known and exalted!
The psalmist’s cry is a call to God’s people everywhere. Sing! Behold and tell! Ponder and proclaim! Think on His splendor and majesty, strength and beauty in the secret place! Tremble, and sing for joy!
What part do I have in doing so? None of these practices can take place when we are focused on ourselves. None occur when we look down, or fixate on things, or fret with anxiety at circumstances, or stew in unknowns and grievances. To obey God’s commands takes a reorienting of heart to wonder, a freeing from the tyranny of the urgent, a turning up of the eyes to heaven and the wide, wonderful handiwork of the Almighty. Responsibilities may be worthy of time and attention, but the Lord God is worthy of heart praise and worship. How balanced, or imbalanced, are we in what fear and glory and gifts we offer?
Of all the people we encounter, who needs a song today? Whom will we tell of God’s faithfulness and answered prayer? Whom can we encourage with His promises? With whom can we share a hidden beauty, a glimpse of mercy received, a story of love expressed, the majestic wonder of a detailed facet of creation?
What is our part among the nations? How can we contribute, in word or resources, to the proclaiming of God’s greatness abroad? What role will we take to make sure everyone hears? How can I encourage those being persecuted or in hard paces that their God reigns?
Lord, may I fear and love You more each day, and ascribe You due glory for all You are in all I say and do.
As the rain and snow 