Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!1
There is always a reason to rejoice; particularly, during the festive month of December. Personally, aside from the reason for the season, December 3 marks an important milestone; it is our Wedding Anniversary—this year, our 31st. By God’s grace Stella and I have remained faithful to each other. Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.2 Partially and progressively, we have witnessed how our children have been constant recipients of his love, finding favor and good success in the sight of God and man.3
Understanding the WHY Helps us persevere with the HOW. The Psalter gives us 3 reasons: One, for the LORD is good; two, his steadfast love endures forever; and three, he is faithful to all generations.4
All the LORD’s promises are true and experienced partially, progressively, and conditionally. And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God . . . . Blessed shall you be . . .5 All promises of God find their yes in [Jesus].6 With every promise is a premise. Thus, we need to intentionally consider the HOW:
1. Celebrate the LORD. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!7 My friends and family know my history. During a get together they would hasten to volunteer information about my past. Yet, my past doesn’t define me. Who I am in Christ does! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.8
2. Know the LORD. Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.9 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.10 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.11
3. Develop an Attitude of Gratefulness. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”13
Notes:
1. Psalm 100:1-2
2. Psalm 112:1-2
3. Proverbs 3:4
4. Psalm 100:5
5. Deuteronomy 28:1-6
6. 2 Corinthians 1:20
7. Psalm 100:1-2
8. 2 Corinthians 5:17
9. Psalm 100:3
10. Proverbs 8:17
11. Psalm 119:105
12. Psalm 100:4
13. John 8:12
