Psalm of Thanksgiving
Psalm 100
Introduction
The psalm is titled A Psalm of Thanksgiving. In the whole book of Psalms, it is the only psalm having this title. The purpose of this psalm is to call the whole world to know and worship the Lord.
A. Worship the Lord with praises
- Worship the Lord with praises. Psalm.100:1-2
The psalmist does not begin with a declaration of God’s sovereign power in the beginning. He simply calls to praise God. This invitation goes beyond Israel. We are called to praise God with a joyful shout to worship the King and to serve the Lord with gladness. Whatever we do in the worship to the Lord must come with joy, happiness, gladness and celebration. We are called to come to the presence of the Lord and worship him. Singing is not the only way to praise God but it is the chief way to worship him.
- Worship the Lord with praises for God is our creator and shepherd. Psalm.100:3
The psalmist gives reasons to worship the Lord. He invites us to know that the Lord is God. We do not have any other god except the Lord God. He made us in this world as the Creator and we are called to worship the Creator, not creation. The psalmist proclaims that creation is totally belonged to God, not to any other person or process. He also let us know that he is our Shepherd. We are his people and He cares for us as the sheep of His pasture.
B. Worship the Lord with thanksgiving
- Worship the Lord with thanksgiving and worship him in his dwelling place. Psalm 100:4
The psalmist sees the vision of all nations entering to worship the Lord into the courts of the temple. He invites them to come and worship the Lord with thanksgivings. Thanksgiving is an important part of worship in private and public worship to the Lord. We are called to enter the presence of the Lord with thanksgiving hearts and bless him.
- Worship the Lord with thanksgiving and worship him in his dwelling place for his goodness, merciful and truthfulness. Psalm.100:5
The psalmist invites all nations because he is Good God and he is good in his plans, grace, forgiveness, covenant and every aspect. His mercy and truth are everlasting. We are the receivers of his truth and mercies and so we are called to worship him with thanksgiving in his dwelling place.
Conclusion
The psalmist emphasizes the importance of worshipping God from every nation with songs, thanksgiving, and joy because He is our creator, shepherd and he gives his goodness, truth, and mercies. So we should not neglect the public worship with all the people of God.