Sing to the Lord a new song. Psalm 96:1
God has put a new song in our mouth (see yesterday’s post – Psalm 40:3), and we are called to sing this new song to Him.
So, Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 96:1)
Some interpret Psalm 96 as a guide to praise. With this application, a fundamental step in properly praising God involves a new song. More specifically, this Psalm has been called a “missionary hymn”, in that all nations are called to bring honor and praise to God – “sing to the Lord all the earth. . . declare His glory among the nations” (Psalm 96:1,3). This foreshadows that God’s grace has called the Gentile nations to salvation through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. And in this salvation, as the Psalmist has here proclaimed, a new song of praise comes forth from a heart overwhelmed by God’s greatness. So today, you and I are called to proclaim the good tidings of God’s salvation:
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalm 96:2-3)
All of the songs of the earth that celebrate man’s achievements are made quiet by the new song of those who have experienced God’s salvation. All the ceremonial songs of pagan history that chanted loyalty to false gods have been hushed by the new song that all creation sings:
4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
He is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before Him;
strength and glory are in His sanctuary. (Psalm 96:4-6)
So, what do we learn about the new song?
This new song belongs to our God. This new song exalts the Christ of our Salvation, Jesus our Lord. This new song invites all to come and see the salvation of God. This new song exclaims God’s salvation with power and beauty. And, this new song replaces the old song. No longer do we sing for man or for ourselves. No longer do we pretend that the song is meant for us, or for our momentary pleasure.
Although praise most certainly transforms the human heart, such praise can only have this effect when offered exclusively to God. The new song goes forth with no attachment to human preferences. For the new song is for our God, and our Savior.
Today, if God’s salvation has come to you, sing a new song. Sing unto Him. Make melody in your heart. Come before our Lord with a new song by focusing afresh upon His nature, His goodness, and His blessings.
Consider this: God’s salvation through Jesus has made you completely new. You have been given a new heart (a regenerated inner man). This new heart contains a new song (praise and adoration to the God of our salvation). This new song secures in the heart of the redeemed a living testimony of God’s goodness and salvation. And, this testimony is meant to be lived out before others. Therefore, sing aloud a new song!
So today, as you prepare for a new year, ask God to help you live for Him personally and publicly with a new song. May this new song become obvious in our language, deeds, attitudes, and priorities.
Blessings.
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Today, read and mediate upon Psalm 96.
