The Praiseworthiness of God Elicits Worship

1Sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the Lord, all the earth.

2Sing to the Lord, praise his name;

proclaim his salvation day after day.

3Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

4For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

he is to be feared above all gods.

5For all the gods of the nations are idols,

but the Lord made the heavens.

6Splendor and majesty are before him;

strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

7Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,

ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

8Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

bring an offering and come into his courts.

9Worship the Lord in the splendor of his ^a holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth. (Psalm 96)

Thoughts: This is a Psalm celebrating the experience of the reality of God.  He is the deliverer from sin, from trouble, from evil, from hopelessness.  God is real and He helps us and delivers us. His awe is real.  His greatness cannot be imagined.  He is greater than the greatest star.  His care goes to the smallest atom.  We need to recognize (ascribe) God's glory and strength.  He is the strongest of all beings, and in gratitude to God we worship Him and give to Him.  He does not need our time or our money.  But He desires our hearts- symbolized by time and offering.  You cannot say "My heart is God's" but not give Him time in worship or in offering- if you are able to do so.  God is great and worthy.  If we focused on His awesomeness, we could not stop ourselves from wroship. 

Prayer: Lord, you are worthy of my worship- my time, my best self, my gifts.