Our call to worship this week is Psalm 98.
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
This psalm encourages us to express the joy we know in the Lord. Too often we only share our wants and needs through prayer, this passage reminds us to give thanks when we are happy and satisfied as well. It is easy to cry out to God when we are threatened, we must remember Him especially when we are blessed.
In Deuteronomy 6 Moses warns the nation of Israel not to forget God when they enter the Promised Land. After He has brought them safely out of Egypt, through the desert and across the Jordan, the people begin to fall away, believing they are somehow responsible for the prosperity they enjoy. Failing to realize all gifts are from God can lead to selfish behavior and lack of caring for each other.
As we return to more “normal” activities, let us not forget the lessons we have received during the difficult time, how much we missed being in contact with each other and how we worried for everyone’s health. It would be sad to have endured this season and not have it change our way of treating people. Rejoice and give thanks to God, living for Him and loving all His children.
Gracious God, we are sometimes puffed up in our pride and smug in our knowledge. Forgive us and help us to remember that without Your love and care, we are lost. Amen.