Let the Thanks Come out! #8

 One of the best known Psalms, which is a call to worship and thanksgiving is Psalm 100:

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2     Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!
3 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.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.

The Psalmist begins by telling us to get noisy! Lots of times before a worship service things are quiet and contemplative as we prepare to enter the presence of Holy God. Sometimes when you sit down in a church sanctuary it's more like a crowded restaurant. But is that "noise" to the Lord? Are we at all aware of His presence? Have we come as His servants seeking instructions on His will.  As we come we need to have that attitude that says "He is God. We belong to Him." The noise is good if it is directed toward Him - joyful noise of thanksgiving and praise. We are coming into the Royal Presence of Holy God to give Him thanks for all He has done and praise for all He is.  Again, we are drawn back to the character of God: for He is good, loving, and faithful: He has what is best in mind for us; He will do everything on His part for what is best for us; He is the On that will always be there for us. Let us enter His gates with thanksgiving!