Thanksgiving and Contentment

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:1-5 ESV). Not all that many years ago, men believed that the earth was the center of the universe. All of the planets were thought to be in orbit about the earth. While modern astronomy has shown this to be in error, this historical view of the universe tells us a great deal about the mentality of mankind. Man wants to believe that everything revolves around himself. We want to be at the center of what is happening. While we have come to grips with the fact that the sun is the center of our solar system, some Christians still seem to think that in the spiritual realm man is central. We persist in emphasizing what God can do for men. We become angry with God or confused when adversity disrupts our lives. It is little wonder that Christians have so much difficulty worshipping God. Worship is God-centered, not man-centered. Worship focuses on God and His greatness, not on man. Harry Ironside said, “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Psalm 95 serves as the introduction to a series of Psalms devoted to the theme of worship and praise. This psalm has long been regarded as an invitation to worship. It has been a vital part of liturgies from ancient times. This psalm helps the believer to reorient his thinking and practice concerning the vital matter of worship. It turns our attention and affection toward God. When our role in worship is addressed, the focus is on worship and reverence. This is the heart of thanksgiving. There are four things to note in these verses:  First, the worship that is encouraged is collective in that it is congregational. Here and elsewhere in the Scriptures, worship is described as congregational, not merely individual.  Second, the worship promoted here is vocal. Too often we think of worship not only as private, but as silent. We are told to sing a song “worshipfully” and we know that this means we are to sing slowly and quietly.  Third, the terms used in the first two verses speak of vocal praise that is vibrant and vigorous. It is a joyful, grateful praise. It is not a subdued, somber praise, but an exuberant expression of worship. The terms employed here describe activity which seems more appropriate in the football stadium than in the church “sanctuary.”  Finally, joyful, exuberant praise is God-centered. There is a preoccupation with God, not with excitement, enthusiasm or expression. The source of their joy and the recipient of their praise was to be their God. Worship that is biblical is that praise and adoration which has God as its source and its subject. Worship, real worship erases our discontent and discouragement. Come, let us sing to the Lord!