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 song celebrates God's redemptive work through all time. It also suggests that each who sings it can keep repeating God's praises in their own words.
Why praise God? (1-3)
Because God is working salvation for His people, and it is accessible to the whole world. This is the substance of praise, and the reason for it. God is up to something good! So praise Him!
How might God be praised? (4-6)
With everything you can! The song mentions a lyre, melody, trumpets, horns, and joyful noise. But the list isn't exhaustive; it's creative. What do you have at your fingertips that could add to the joyful noise of God's praise?
Asking again, why praise God? (7-9)
Because God's redemption is for the whole creation. The sea joins in! The rivers contribute to the praise! God's salvation satisfies what the waters of creation experienced in the beginning - God's spirit bringing peace to chaos.
So, take a moment and ask yourself. Why do I praise God?