Walking Through Ephesians
“Psalm 96”
Categories: Seeing God Through the PsalmsPsalm 96
The psalm opens with the call: “Sing to the Lord a new song.” We have a song in our hymnals entitled, “The New Song.” What does it mean to sing a new song?
In one sense, the “New Song” is referred to throughout Scripture, as a response of praise from God’s people, worshipping God for His salvation (see Psalm 33:3, 40:3; Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 14:3).
Notice what God is being praised for here –
- His Salvation (v. 2)
- His wonderful deeds (v. 3)
- Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised (v. 4)
- He is the creator (v. 5)
- He is clothed and surrounded with splendor, majesty, strength and beauty (v. 6)
- He is our righteous judge (v. 10)
- He is coming to judge the world (v. 13)
It is praising God for who He is, and what He has done – specifically to the saving/redeeming of His people.
But here’s another thought to consider. One author wrote, “Fresh mercies demand fresh expressions of thanksgiving.” We know about that idea of fresh – alive, healthy, vibrant. When something grows stale we feel the need to “liven” it up. We use words like “renew” or “reinvigorate” to describe bringing a breath of life into something that has lost it’s fervor.
This can happen. Songs of praise that are sung out of duty rather devotion, out of tradition rather than thanksgiving, can turn the heartfelt vibrant praise into an empty and meaningless dirge. Has worship become stale to you? Do you notice that your “heart isn’t in it?” Do you need to bring some life to the song you are singing to God?
The answer is not in a literal new song or hymn. It’s not in changing the aesthetics of the building (dim the lights, mood music, etc.). Read through this Psalm again. Look at v. 2 – proclaim the tidings of His salvation – i.e. YOUR salvation, from day to day. If there’s anything that can never lose it’s meaning, it’s the Lord’s salvation. Jesus – the plan, the mission, the cross, the blood, the empty grave, the sins of my past forgiven, the stains of my heart washed away, the hope of Heaven, the victory over the grave – HALLELUJAH!
Sing the salvation of the Lord! Sing the new song – with a fresh voice, and a fresh spirit, sing renewed – sing to the Lord – bless His name!
Lord of Heaven and Earth, Lord of glory and of strength, You are great, and greatly to be praised. Truly splendor and majesty are before You. You dwell in strength and beauty. I praise You and thank You for Your wonderful deeds – the gift of life, promise of Your coming, and most importantly, Your salvation. For Jesus, for the plan You formed from long ago, for the cross – the death of Your Son, for not giving up on me, offering me a gift I truly do not deserve – the forgiveness of my sins – the hope of Heaven, Father though it seems not enough, thank You. I praise You. May my song always seem as new, as genuine, as heartfelt, for Great are You Lord, and Greatly to be praised. I love You.
