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In Central and South America today, one of the most popular hymns among evangelical Christians is “No Hay Dios tan Grande,” or “There’s No God as Great.” The music features a Hispanic folk tune, while the lyrics celebrate the “mighty wonders” God accomplishes in guiding His church. “Not by our weapons, nor by our power, but by your Spirit we are led.” This song of joyous confidence is often accompanied not only by piano and guitars, but also by rhythm instruments including maracas and castanets.
In countless languages and circumstances around the globe, we Christians love to express our joy in the Lord through worship and singing! “Sing to the Lord a new song” has been the motto of generations of Christian musicians. The reason for our joy is God’s salvation (vv. 1-3). He comes to our rescue to demonstrate His power, reveal His righteousness, and reaffirm His love. “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (v. 3).
The sound of our joy is exuberant praise (vv. 4-6). Take a look at all the action verbs in this short psalm—sing, shout, burst into jubilant song, make music, shout for joy, resound, clap hands, sing together, sing before the Lord. Several musical instruments are also summoned, including harp, trumpets, and ram’s horn. We are given a mental picture of a congregation or mass choir, along with a worship band or orchestra, joyfully and energetically making music.
The scope of our joyful song is worldwide (vv. 7-9). In the psalmist’s vivid imagery, we see not only all nations joining together to praise the Lord but also all nature. The seas roar, the rivers clap their hands, and the mountains sing to honor their Creator. The power, righteousness, love, and justice of our God demand no less. As another psalm puts it: “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” (Ps. 47:1-2).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Making music before the Lord comes in many forms. Talented musicians audition for the choir or worship band. Others of us just put on a good CD and sing “joyful noises” in the shower. Gifted singers sing parts, the musical lines appropriate to their voices. Others of us just sing into the hymnbook so as not to throw our neighbor out of tune. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of talent, all of us can lift our voices to God, and He is honored and delighted by our joyful praises.
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