When a person is in love, that love is normally evident to many people. When someone enjoys what he does, or is enthusiastic over some event or work, that enthusiasm and pleasure is shared with others. When good things happen, it is an almost automatic reflex to share the good with friends, neighbors, family and even strangers.
At the same time, a person in love shares that feeling with the one he, or she, loves. Enjoyment and enthusiasm is put back into whatever caused that feeling. Mark Twain said that the secret to success is to make your hobby your work, and your work your hobby. Why? Because someone who is loved, or something that is enjoyed, is never a burden. Instead, of pulling down, it lifts up.
If individuals will happily share their lives and time with people and things of this life, how much more should this apply to the Lord? The Psalmist began, “Sing to the Lord…” A person in love with God will sing to the Lord. When one considers the incredible gift which has been given through Jesus Christ, the result may literally be an outpouring of song. In many instances in the Bible, people burst forth in song as they saw or considered the love and deeds of the Lord God.
A song to the Lord may also be that quiet, warm intimate song of love that is shared heart to heart – spirit to Spirit. Paul wrote that, at times, a Christian doesn’t know what to say to the Father, and the Holy Spirit becomes the spokesman for that person. In times of distress, it IS hard to put thoughts, emotions and feelings into words. But isn’t that also true when a Christian is so full of love for the Lord that the words can’t be found to express that love? “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” Yes, such a song can be a personal song of love for a Savior and Lord.
Singing and declaration of God involves more than just love. It is also to be done, because the Lord God IS worthy of praise. Even today, there are many things that have become gods for people, and they may not be statues. A person’s god may be money, a house, land, a career or anything that becomes more important than God. But, unlike everything else in the world, the Lord God CREATED the universe. All other “gods” are nothing but idols that have no power to do anything. Therefore, it is fitting and proper to sing to Him and declare his glory among the nations.
In verse 10, the Psalmist’s words become a universal truth and fact: “Say among the nations, The Lord reigns.” Today, it is too easy to forget that point. No matter what happens, no matter how bad personal or world events seem to be, THE LORD REIGNS. Period. Trials, problems, persecution, major calamities occur, and people cry out in distress and despair, “Why did this happen?!” Some question or deny the existence, or power of God, however, none of that changes the fact that the Lord reigns!
He is involved in His creation, and all things will be resolved in Him; because He not only reigns, but He will also judge the world. The psalmist wrote, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all it contains; let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD, for He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.”
The Lord will judge the world with equity, righteousness and truth. Standing before God could be a fearful thing, but through Jesus Christ, that Day does not have to be a day of fear. On the contrary! For each Christian, Jesus Christ has promised that the bad will end, and the good will get even better. No words or imagination can describe the beauty and glory awaiting those who are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Isn’t that beautiful? Isn’t that the best of reasons to be in love with the Lord? Isn’t that an excellent reason to raise your voice in song and praise to God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ?
James R. Shelburn