Psalm 98 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 98 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
Verse 2The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
Verse 3He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Verse 4Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Verse 5Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
Verse 6With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Verse 7Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
Verse 8Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy
Verse 9at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
Devotion
How can we keep from singing? Whenever I read a psalm like this one I feel the songs of my youth rising up inside me — songs from Bible or Sunday school; songs learned from my aunts; or the Kenny Rogers song that gave me a feeling of connectedness with my dad. Images of relationships with people and God's creation inspire me with gratefulness that I have been chosen to be a part of this particular life story.
When such feelings arise, how can we keep all the joy and delight inside? When we really take God’s love seriously, how can its graciousness not overwhelm us with amazement? Read this psalm again — out loud. Listen to and feel the resonance, the vibrations of voice both inside and outside of yourself. Clap your hands and let the energy of the movement and sound move you to smile.
Prayer
Almighty Creator God, open our eyes and ears to experience the wonder and marvel of your creation. Amen.