Psalm 98 (Listen)

98:1   Oh 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 known his salvation;
    he has revealed his righteousness 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 salvation 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 dwell in it!
  Let the rivers clap their hands;
    let the hills sing for joy together
  before the LORD, for he comes
    to judge the earth.
  He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity.




Devotional:

Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing. (Psalm 98:4)

Seeing the pain, sickness, violence, depression and devastation present in this world, it’s tempting to ask God what happened to the joy of the Lord that Scripture talks about. The Psalmist tells all people everywhere to shout for joy to the Lord because joy is deeper than circumstantial happiness. Joy is found in its source, which is God alone. We can burst into song and shout for joy to the Lord simply because we know the Lord. We must not cave into despair like the world is tempting us to do. We are not robbed of joy when we know the Lord. So, today, shout for joy to the Lord for who He is; who alone will lift your heart and put a smile on your face.   

Pray It: Father, help me find and retain joy even in the difficult circumstances of life by reminding me of the truth that you reign and rule over the earth and will return to judge in righteousness. May the joy that bursts forth from me help others find this joy today as well. Amen.

Share It: Share a verse or thought from this passage with someone today.