Psalm 95
Today, a very personal Psalm 95, a psalm that Carol and I treasure. A singer/songwriter/evangelist/pastor/author friend of ours put this psalm to music. He and his wife were the leaders and hosts of the Bible Study where Carol and I met. Later he sang at our wedding. Of all his music, I think we treasure Psalm 95 the most.
We continue the Kingship of our Lord that we began a few days ago. He is King of all creation (see vv. 3-5). He is also our personal King: For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. (v. 7a)
To me this Psalm is a great gathering song for our Eucharistic celebration this morning: Oh come, let us sing to the LORD … Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! (vv. 1-2) and Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! (v. 6) Come. Worship. Bow down. Kneel. And SING!! Glory!!
“O come…”
Whenever I read or hear those words, our friend’s song that Fred mentioned echoes in my brain. I love to imagine the whole of God’s creation singing with joy in his presence — singing is such a powerful way to draw close to him. The images of worship this psalm creates in my mind cause me to join the throng before his throne in spirit to worship.
However, I usually ignore the second half of the psalm; our friend’s song only covers through verse 7. But the second half is important for me also, a reminder that I can all too easily do the same thing the Israelites did, forgetting God’s previous work in my life, putting him to the test in myriad subtle ways… I am astonished at how unfaithful I can be at times even though I have seen his work—miracles even!—in my life for decades!