University of Michigan football fans call their stadium “the Big House.” When the team scores, the team’s 107,601 fans fill the space with so much cheering and shouting the sound can be overwhelming. One of the reasons why people enjoy watching the college game in person is to experience being part of such an enormous crowd united in the support of their team and celebrating their victories.
In today’s text, the Psalmist calls Israel to join in worship: “Come let us sing for joy to the Lord” (v. 1). The Psalmist describes singing, shouting, and making music to God. This is not a service for silent meditation or half-hearted singing. No! This is a full-throated, raucous, and joy-filled expression of devotion to the Lord.
God is to be praised with full enthusiasm because He is far above all other “gods” that people worship. The majestic mountains and powerful oceans owe their existence to God. He can hold them in the palm of His hand (vv. 3–5). God is not only the creator of all things, He is also “our God.” He cares for us like a shepherd cares for his flock (v. 7). The only appropriate response is to drop to our knees in humble submission (v. 6).
Our worship should be more than just words. God requires wholehearted devotion. The Psalmist reminds Israel of the Exodus generation, who saw God’s power firsthand. This group of people quickly turned their back on God, grumbling against Him (Ex. 17:1–7). They even wished that they had never been redeemed from Egypt. Because of that, God judged them by not allowing them to enter the Promised Land.
>> Do you praise God with as much energy and enthusiasm as you give your favorite sports team? God is not content with our expressions of worship just on Sunday morning. He desires and deserves for us to surrender our entire lives to Him.
Pray with Us
Our God is an awesome God! Fill us with Your joy, Father. Stir our hearts and minds with the power of Your might; may we be too overwhelmed with You to keep silent.
BY Ryan Cook
Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.