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
Gordy was singing, "Don't let the stars get in your eyes, don't let the moon break your heart," while moving into the boy's dorm that morning, and it was a joyful noise indeed! He was in love. Several days later, we rehearsed J.S. Bach's "Sing Ye" in choir practice together. Truly different music, but souls rejoiced. The quiet twitter of the blue bird, or the dashing sound and fury of sea breakers on cold grey stones at sea, all make a joyful noise to the Creator. His workmanship cannot stifle praises expressed in one way or other. We have been formed for this purpose. It is praise to the One who rejoices over us first. One couple requested the sounds of a musical saw at their wedding. Unbelievable. Exuberance most often describes this joyful noise. God is quite capable of urging all things to praise him. It may be a mere murmur or crescendo. Nothing can hinder it!
Prayer
We join with all creation in praise and thanksgiving to you Holy Father. And so let us contribute in our unique way to this song of joyful praises, now and evermore. Amen.