Please read Psalm 100 (5 verses)

The whole created earth, humankind and all things made by us, is to shout in praise to the Lord. We worship Him with gladness and joyful songs of praise. If we are feeling down and depressed we are to shout and sing to the Lord and this will lift our souls to God and benefit us too. We are not shy or self-conscious about our worship, but express what we are feeling and knowing in the power of the Holy Spirit. We all respond to music and lyrics and they lift our psyche up and surround us with great thoughts and feelings.

We are to know the Lord. Not just know about Him, but know Him personally and intimately and to be walking in His felt presence every day. We must not allow the things of life to tread us down and make us forget our holy companion. We search the Scriptures to know Him better and stay in tune with Him. We are His precious people and He delights to know us and have us walk through life with Him.

As we come into the house of God, we come with thanksgiving and praise. Gratitude is the antidote for all bitterness, reservation and rancour. We are coming to the captain and Saviour of our souls, to adore Him and all other considerations are secondary. We leave our issues to one side and ask the Lord to deal with us and them, and lift our voices and hands in worship to our Lord and God. As we focus on Him, we see clearly that the Lord is good and His mercy endures towards us through all generations and all circumstances. He will bring us safely to the worship in heaven, where His glorious name will forever be exalted.