Psalm 96:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 96:1-9 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.
Devotion
My pre-school child likes to make up new songs and sing them for our family. As a father who enjoys music, hearing my son sing is a wonderful experience. His songs have the cutest words about parts of his daily routine, favorite toys, and even phrases he’s borrowed (often in the funniest context) from other songs. I hope he always has new songs to share, because when he sings something beautiful and entirely his own comes out from within.
God also enjoys hearing us “sing” new songs, songs that are our own and come from our heart. God hears songs within each of us as his own dear children. He hears all of our songs as we live our lives in gratitude for his grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for hearing the songs of our lives. Let the song of my heart be one of praise to you. Amen.