Worshipping The Lord With Gladness

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!

Worship the LORD with gladness.

Come before him, singing with joy.

Acknowledge that the LORD is God!

He made us, and we are his.

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:1-3

Joy. Pleasure. Delight. Too often, we associate these emotions with earthly pleasures—such as enjoying fancy hotels, owning a brand-new car or home, or savoring fine food. The author of this prayer, however, associated joy and delight with worshipping God and learning more about his ways. He called on God’s people to “worship the Lord with gladness.” Our heartfelt joy in all God has given us—in all he has done for us—is like beautiful, harmonious music drifting back to God’s ears. God finds pleasure in those who rejoice in what he has given them and thank him for it.

Find a new way today to praise God for his goodness. Rejoice in what God has given you, and share your joy with your acquaintances and coworkers.

• Dear Lord, I come before you with shouts of joy . . .