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
When we need a child, we go to the Lord in prayer. But when we are blessed with one, we wine and dine in hotels. When we need a job, we remember God. But when we are successful, we deny God. When we feel insecure, we flock to churches. But when secure, we flock to the beaches and restaurants.
In today’s lesson, the psalmist is calling on his people to burst forth in praise as they recall the many perils from which the Lord delivered them. He called them not only to sing but to sing cheerfully, with all manner of instruments and with their whole beings.
Ghana, Malaysia and the United Church of Christ are celebrating golden jubilees this year. Each of us who are alive and can see, hear, eat or walk can celebrate God’s blessings. So let us join the psalmist in saying, “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Prayer
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness is to all generations. Amen.