Psalm 100:1-5 [A Psalm of praise.] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. (1) Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. (2) Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (3) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (4) For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (5)
Each moment that we dwell on our circumstances and trials, we lose focus of all the good that Lord has done for us. Like a muscle, we must exercise that part of us which God has provided to encourage ourselves. If the Lord commands us to encourage ourselves, which He does in Psalm 100, then not only is it do-able, but He provides us with the way to do it.
As I read Psalm 100, the Psalmist clearly outlines in progression what we are to do:
- Make a joyful noise (sing)
- Serve with gladness
- Sing some more
- Remember that God made us and we are His sheep – He knows us because He is our Creator and our Shepherd
- Be thankful
- Praise Him
- Be thankful some more
- Bless His Name – praise Him some more
- Acknowledge that God is Good, His mercy is forever and His truth endures – again, praise Him some more
I noticed that singing, being thankful and praising God are key as they are mentioned more than once in these five verses. Certain music puts us in a right heart and mind to focus in the right direction. A mind that is thankful and full of praise to the Father is not a mind that is focused on discouragement and circumstances. There have been times where singing a song has changed my whole spirit. The Lord gave us music to lift our spirits – especially the Psalms.
Is it any wonder that Fanny Crosby penned the words to Praise Him, Praise Him? Won’t you read these wonderful words with me today and exercise your heart and fill it with song, thankfulness and praise to your Heavenly Father Who provides for us everything we need?
Praise Him, Praise Him
Fanny Crosby
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long:Chorus:
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Ever in joyful song!
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died.
He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.
Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.
Chorus
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!
Christ is coming! over the world victorious,
Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.
Chorus
