Sing to the Lord a new song!
Psalm 98 begins, “Sing to the Lord a new song!” This is not a unique invitation: (See also: Psalms 33:3, 40:3, 96:1, 144:9, 149:1, Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9, 14:3). The early Christians chanted this psalm as a hymn about Christ. They found it expressed their joy at having found a king who brought salvation and meaning instead of oppression. In 1719, Isaac Watts remade the psalm into the beloved Christmas hymn, Joy to the World.
It’s interesting what poetry does to us. It evokes something within us. And when it is set to music as this psalm probably was, it speaks to our souls. It calls forth something from deep within us.
Today I leave you with a few verses from this beautiful Psalm as our closing prayer. And I invite you to reflect on what new song God may be wanting you to sing through your life.
Let us pray:
O sing to the Lord a new song,
for God has done marvelous things.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Let the sea roar and all that fills it,
the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord.
May it be so. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
