Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13) (NRSV)
Read Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13) on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Verse 2Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Verse 3Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
Verse 4For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.
Verse 5For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Verse 6Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Verse 7Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Verse 8Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Verse 9Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.
Verse 10Say among the nations, "The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity."
Verse 11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
Verse 12let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
Verse 13before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
Devotion
One of the best questions I have ever been asked in an interview was, “What makes your heart sing?” This question, asked me years ago, has rung in my mind and heart ever since. I can’t imagine a better question to help one see the heart and soul and spirit of another person. Psalm 96 inspires and excites one’s heart to sing. “O sing to the Lord a new song; O sing to the Lord all the earth.” As we ponder our gracious God and all God has done for us, how can we not sing? This psalm calls for singing, blessing, and declaring God’s glory among all nations and all peoples. This God, who sent us a Savior, “will judge the world with righteousness.” That’s good news, for Jesus is our righteousness. (1 Corinthians 1:30). Now that makes my heart sing!
Prayer
God of All Creation, make the whole earth sing of your glory, including each of us, your dear children. In Jesus Name. Amen.