We sing this well-known psalm with the words, ‘All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice … ’ It is a great little psalm which tells us how and why we should praise God:
· We must be joyful in our praise (1). Worshippers were encouraged to go to the temple with a joyful shout and to serve him with gladness (cp. Psalms 95:16; 98:46). It is a sad reflection on many of us that the dirge-like singing and the miserable looks on some of our faces as we praise God are more suited to a funeral lament than the worship of the living God. Matthew Henry comments, ‘Gospel worshippers should be joyful worshippers.’
· We must be thoughtful in our worship (3). Know that the Lord, he is God; it is he who has made us. Any form of worship that discourages thoughtfulness or the use of the mind is spurious. ‘Knowledge is the mother of devotion, and of all obedience. … Know it; consider and apply it, and then you will be more close and constant, more inward and serious, in the worship of him.’ (Matthew Henry).
· We must be thankful in our praise (4). Enter into His gates with thanksgiving … Be thankful to Him.’
Why should we praise God? The Lord is worthy of our adoration and praise because:
· He is good.
· His mercy is everlasting. It will never be exhausted!
· His truth endures to all generations (5). It does not change and it will not fail us.
How do you worship the Lord? Is your heart overflowing with joyful praise to Him? Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing (2).
— Pilgrim Bible Notes