Come before him with joyful songs (Louise McFerran)

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.”

Psalm 100 1-2

One thing I’ve noticed spending so much time in the house is how the right choice of music can change the mood and atmosphere in an instant. I wonder if you have seen that wonderful version of the Numbers 6 blessing the “UK Blessing”?

There’s something very powerful about singing verses from the Bible. When writing the Psalms, David and the other authors certainly knew the power of song. The Psalms weren’t meant to be read passively, but rather the Jewish people would have joined in singing them.  Indeed, we read in Matthew’s gospel that Jesus would have sung them too. Singing verses from the Bible can help us remember and reflect on the truth of the words, take that truth deep into our hearts, and remember we are not alone because we are joining in with a song that has been sung for hundreds of years (even if the tune might have changed!).

So, what better way to change the atmosphere than coming before God with joyful songs of worship? Or why not even sing a Psalm as Jesus did? Perhaps try “Psalm 100” by Chris Tomlin or “The Lord’s my shepherd” by Stuart Townend. So, let’s do that today.  Let’s sing a joyful song of worship, knowing that Heaven will sing along with us as we praise our Heavenly Father.  Let’s change the atmosphere.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts of music and song. Thank you for the gift of worship and the joy that it brings.  Amen.