“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praise unto Thy name, O Most High.” Psalm 92:1
Dear Ones:
Why is it that, in reading the Psalms (which are songs…), we find the continual theme of singing unto the Lord, giving thanks, praising and rejoicing in Him? What is it that lifts up the Psalmist from the very real suffering, and difficulties of earth (both understood and not…), to heights of joy and peace, in particular, when worshiping the Creator? First, we discover that the Psalmist has a vision of God in His goodness, loving-kindness, and faithfulness, that eclipses the sins, and wrongs of men. He is carried to heights of praise and rejoicing in God because of the perception of His mercy, patience, long-suffering, love and grace. Secondly, we discover that the Psalmist’s reason for praising God, is the experiential knowledge of God, the very fruit of faith and obedience. When once the objective truth of who God is, coupled with a knowledge of His ways, is embraced, there is the revelation by the Spirit of His Life and power to the heart. And example of this is knowing the objective truth that Christ is the Savior of the world. The objective truth becomes subjective experience when, by surrender and faith, the knowledge of Christ as Savior becomes one’s personal Savior. The truth sets one free, but the Son gives the power to BE and live free.
What then are some of the objective reasons for which the Psalmist KNOWS by experience the loving-kindness of God, and rejoices in it, praising God for it? In Psalm 92, we read: “For Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work. I will triumph in the works of Thy hands.” (v.4) With regard to “gladness,” Moses would speak of the same thing, even going so far as to pray: “Make us glad.” (90:15) Why would Moses, and the author of Psalm 92, write basically the same thing? It is because they see in God, not only a subject to rejoice in, but the very means and power to rejoice. God actually is the source of true joy. The Apostle Paul would reiterate this when writing of the Spirit: “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace.” (Gal. 5;22) The Lord Jesus went so far as to pray in John 17: “…that they (believers) might have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” (v.13) Christ IS not only the source of our joy; He IS our joy. When we know this, there is the opportunity BY FAITH to experience this joy.
In returning to Psalm 92, and the consideration of the effects of this joy, we read: “I will triumph in the works of Thy hands.” What is he saying here? Again, Moses comes to our aid, for he wrote: “Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants.” (Ps. 90:16) It is as the believer comes to grasp the revealed will of God, by the objective word of God, that He perceives what God will do in answer to faith and prayer. There is great joy in the victory laid hold of by faith, and then experienced, when God works in and through His servants, according to His will. Here is another reason for which the Psalmist is singing, thanking the Lord, rejoicing in Him.
Lastly, the reason for which the believer has much to sing about, has to do with “fresh oil.” (Ps. 92:10) Moses wrote in Psalm 90:14, “Satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Why did he specifically pray this? The word “early” speaks to us of first things in the day. The word “satisfy” speaks of fullness. “Fresh oil” speaks of that renewing, and quickening, of the Spirit given for the refreshing of the soul, making one quite aware and conscious of the presence and power of God, so essential to faith for the day. This “fresh oil,” the Spirit of God, is the Giver of the Joy of the Lord, essential to truly singing to God.
Dear Father, give us grace to ever rejoice in Thee, singing Thy praise, being thankful for everything, living in the light of Your loving-kindness and goodness. You are forever worthy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad