Psalm 100

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.”

This was our Psalm for last Sunday and it got me thinking. Making a “joyful noise” when we gather for worship is easy at CTK. Coming “into his presence with singing” on a Sunday morning, no problem (we are blessed with an amazing music program). 

But, but what about the rest of the week? How do we remain “joyful” when a loved one is ill? When we are struggling to pay our bills; how can we be glad? When the world around us feels like chaos, when there is just so much wrong in our world; how can we sing?  How can we possibly be “joyful”, glad, or sing, in the face of so much sadness and despair? 

Well, first we need to understand that being joyful or glad doesn’t mean always smiling or ignoring the reality of suffering in the world. It means we understand that the source of our joy and gladness come from our Creator. Our joy is grounded in knowing, deep in our being that God is good. Our gladness comes from the promise that we are unconditionally loved and forgiven. God’s love for us never waivers and God is present with us and for us each and everyday of our lives.

When we cling to the last verse of this Psalm and its reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God to God’s people, it roots our joy, gladness and singing not in our own abilities but in the One who loved us first and will love us always. So “make a joyful noise to the Lord.”

Psalm 100:5  “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Thanks be to God!

Rev. Cindy Warmbier-Meyer

CTK Member