Thursday, March 30, 2023
“Read Psalm 100”
Ah! Finally! For the past week, Lenten enthusiasts have been hanging on the edge of anticipation wondering about Psalm 100, a cinderella story in the making. A week ago (Thursday, March 23, 2023, “Read Psalm 23”), we were alarmed to discover that Psalm 23 didn’t make it into the final sweet sixteen of Lenten Challenges. Like every other favorite in this year’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, the perennial Final Four contender Psalm 23 lost to a relatively unknown Psalm 100. Now that game day is almost here, it’s time to learn a little more about this underdog story.
Most people can’t quote Psalm 100 from memory, but folks will recognize it immediately as soon as they begin reading. Psalm 100 contains lots of familiar tones and phrases. If readers are paying attention, they might begin to recognize the words of Psalm 100 in music If so, they’re on the right track. They’ve heard plenty of hymns and songs that quote directly from this beloved Psalm. They’ve also heard plenty of church liturgies and holiday readings from it, so this isn’t exactly a complete unknown. It’s always been there.
Why is Psalm 100 so popular in music and why would the Church choose to use it in worship liturgies, calls to worship, blessings, and prayers? Maybe it’s because it’s difficult to read the Psalm without a smile. Perhaps it’s because the Psalm acknowledges God’s intentional creation of each of us, or the joyful invitation to serve the LORD as best we can. Or, maybe folks like it because it doesn’t say anything scary and it gives a big “Thank You” to God.
Whatever the reason for the popularity of Psalm 100, today represents the perfect opportunity to focus on something bigger, and frankly, better than us: God. Yes, Psalm 100 focuses on God while acknowledging our importance and value as part of God’s created world.
Pick up a copy of the Scriptures today and read Psalm 100! Say a prayer with it and give God a big thumbs up for loving us despite our busted brackets!
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:1, ESV)
