Psalm 98

O sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
    have gotten him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory;
    he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
    to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the victory of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Let the sea roar and all that fills it,
    the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
    let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
    and the peoples with equity.

This Lutheran hymn from 1960s is one that I first encountered in seminary. The piece is filled with joy and a manner of life as it calls on ALL of creation to sing to the Lord a new song. I was immediately drawn to its phrases that capture the wide and varied scope of life: celestial bodies, nature, instruments, engines, tools, construction noises, athlete and band, students, parents, children… all called on to sing to the Lord. And why are we all called to sing to the Lord…because God has done marvelous things. It is a song that reminds me of the goodness of our Creator. Our only responses to the Author of all that is good in this world should be thanksgiving and praise. May we take note of the marvelous things God has done in our lives and sing a new song of praise.

Prayer

Almighty God, Your blessings flow all over me and I am in awe of Your goodness. May I be filled with gratitude today and seek to honor You with thanksgiving and praise. May others notice the new song on my lips as I lift up Your name to those I encounter today. Amen.