Sing a New Song

A Psalm.

O sing to the LORD a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
    have gotten him victory.
The LORD has made known his victory;
    he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
    to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the victory of our God.
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 for he is coming
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity. ~ Psalm 98


If I cannot fly, let me sing. ~ Stephen Sondheim



Psalm 98 is one of my favorite Psalms.  It has many familiar phrases and tropes, ones heard in other Psalms and in other parts of scripture.  It is joyful.  It is triumphant.  It is comforting to turn to when things aren't going well.

I included the entire Psalm today rather than just a portion because I think this Psalm sounds best in its entirety - as a whole.  It flows and carries me away with it.  And I am hopeful that it can do the same for you.

What is, I wonder, the new song to sing to the Lord?

I talked already yesterday about joy and breaking into singing: it's been a nice theme.

It is good especially to be reminded of the joy God wants and will for us when the message the world often gives us is something much different.  

That the world is dark and foreboding.

And that God is distant and disinterested.

Or non-existant.

The Psalms are a good tonic for that and for all the human drama and emotions - both good and bad - that can both quiet and disquiet our souls.  They help us to lament when we are suffering, or cause us to turn back to joy again when we are ready for our suffering to end.

Wherever you are right now - whether in some kind of pain or sadness, or filled with contentment and happiness - read this Psalm through. Slowly. Meditating on each verse and asking yourself where God is for you right now.

God of sorrow and joy, help me to sing a new song - and song that praises you always.  Amen.


Thoughts for engagement:

- What music or art do you turn to when you need a good dose of joy?
- Find some other psalms with this theme.

 


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