Psalms 98 - 100

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Wow! David is excited. At the same time, he offers an enthusiastic WARNING to everyone on the earth. I'll show you the warning in a moment, but let's start at the beginning.

In chapter 98, David begins by telling everyone to sing praise to the Lord for the marvelous things He has done. That's right...the "marvelous" things He's done! It's great advice, because God has done marvelous things...right?

Whether you see it or even believe it, God has done marvelous things in your life!

Right now, take a moment to think of ONE marvelous thing God has done for you. It could be the birth of a child? A job? Enough money to meet your needs? The gift of a husband or wife - even if it was for a period of time? Whatever it is...call it out!

If you're having a tough time, can you think of maybe how at some point in life He's protected you, guided you, provided for you, and even taught you an important lesson?

Whatever it is...take a few minutes RIGHT NOW to praise Him for His marvelous work in your life.

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In this passage, David praises God for the fact that His salvation is made known to mankind, and that God's righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness has been on full display to all the world. And, he strongly encourages us to praise Him for a great reason.

It's the WARNING!  David reminds us at the end of the chapter that "He is coming to judge the earth with righteousness...and the people with equity." Knowing that one day we'll have to stand before God, David reminds us that we ought to wake up and realize we'd better start praising the Lord now before it's too late.

As we pass through chapter 99 with David emphasizing God's holiness, we come to the famous chapter 100 of the book of Psalms. Many Sunday School children have learned these verses as they tell us how to worship God.

We're to first of all, "serve" the Lord with gladness! Do you know what that means?

You know...I've heard so many people complain in life and about life. Haven't you?

I've often wondered how that must hurt the heart of God. Just like us, as parents, we want our kids to be happy with the life we've made for them.  God, too, wants us to be happy. While often times we have to deal with the bad repercussions of our own making, we need to stop and be aware of all that God has blessed our lives with.

Yes, it's true...life isn't always rosy. But, even in the midst of the storms of life, we should be glad and thankful. I love it when my children are glad, even when life isn't perfect for them. It shows maturity.

Serving the Lord with gladness shows maturity. Are you glad, or sad? If sad, take a moment to stop, find a private place, close your eyes, take deep breaths, and begin to reflect on the good things God has provided you in life. Get your mind OFF of your situation or circumstance, and focus on the many, many blessings of the Lord instead. Stay there, quiet, and still...until you realize there's more to be thankful and glad for, than sad. Then, in concert with the rest of Psalms 100, do the following:

- Rest in the fact that God is God, and that He's there for you and is BIGGER than any problems you might face!

- Enter into his presence with thanksgiving!  Name some things you're thankful for.

- Be a blessing to the Lord! Start having a conversation with Him that blesses His heart.

Why?  Because "the Lord is good."  He is!  He is sooo good!

What parts of today's study was a blessing to you?