Upper Loft Meditation – Psalm 95

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; le us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.” – Psalm 95:1-3b

Here is a fitting exhortation for all to hear as Thanksgiving Day approaches. There are three parts to this exhortation.

1. “Let us come…” – This is a corporate summons. We are here to come together, the people of God, for a set purpose: to give thanks. Certainly, this is not to exclude giving of thanks individually, but here we are told to gather together. The verb usage here implies an urgency; to go quickly – this is a high priority. This is not a: if my schedule is free, or if I get all my work done. It is a “Come, NOW!” exhortation.
2. “…before him…” – The literal meaning here is to stand face-to-face with God and tell him – “Thank you.”  When we are called to enter into God’s presence, it does not mean we have traveled to where God lives. It means we have opened our eyes to see God who is ever present with us.
3. “…come before him with thanksgiving.” – There is an element here of preparation and reflection whereby you have intentionally considered all that God has done for you. In light of this personal review, you come to give thanks to God where others will hear and join you in praising God.

This is not a time just to sing joyous songs. It is a time to open our hearts and give thanks. “Joyful songs of praise do not create worship in us. They are the response of hearts already grateful for God’s power and presence and activity.” [Doug Goins]

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