Psalm 96
This month, we’re going to study ways in which we can share the good news of God — and why we should.
Estimated reading time3 min read
(Read Psalm 96)
This month, we’re going to study ways in which we can share the good news of God — and why we should. There are numerous references in Holy scripture that point to our obligation for proclaiming God’s creation, goodness, and salvation. The most obvious command from God is known as the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:16-20). We’ll study that later this month. This week’s focus is on Psalm 96.
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Many people believe that King David wrote this Psalm for the public entrance of the Ark of the Covenant entering Jerusalem. David, like all of us, had much to be thankful for. He committed adultery, murder, and lied. Yet God forgave him. God made David the second greatest King of the Jews. Second only to Jesus Christ. First, David had to own up to his sins and confess to God. So, how else could David redeem himself? Praising God in the highest didn’t score points with God. He did it because it was part of his redemption. His new life.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Here, David answers the question of WHY we should praise and proclaim God. God is not temporary. He doesn’t depend on good things to happen to make Him God. He does not seek our praise because he needs attention. God is and was above all. The first and the last — forever.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
Have you ever seen something that is so beautiful, it’s indescribable? It could be an act of love, giving, or natural beauty that takes your breath away. One time, in Zion Utah, the spectacular splendor of the mountains and canyons was proof to me, that it was created by God. I thought, I am nothing compared to the majesty and beauty of this place. Mankind cannot create this level of greatness. Only God can.
Applications:
- Our lies and sins are not invisible to God. Through Jesus, all wrongs are corrected. We are all in the same boat.
- Are we, as forgiven souls thankful?
- God considers anything we value over Him an idol. Are there things in your life more important or more valued than God?
- We judge beauty differently. Some things are so spectacular, they create a truth by themselves.
Take Aways:
- Think about some wrong you’ve done to someone or something that has been forgiven. Has this forgiveness changed you? If not, it should have. Be thankful for your clean slate. Thank the person who directly led to your forgiveness and more importantly, pray to God, give Him the glory. Share this good news with others.
- List a few idols you have in your life. Your job, your identity on social media, your salary, etc… Put that in perspective with WHO blessed you with these temporary riches. Anything we have here on earth will not go with us. Praise the One who gave us an eternal place to go.
- Think about the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen in your life? What did you do about it? Take a picture, draw it, or write about it? If you have, you’re halfway there. Now thank God that you got to see, hear, smell, or feel this amazing thing. Tell your friends who created this beautiful thing.
