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“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.” Psalm 100:1-2

Do you ever stop to consider the amazing fact that, as believers, we are privileged to enter into the very throne room of God? Because Jesus made a way of reconciliation for us, exchanging our filthy rags for His righteousness, there is no longer an impassible chasm. We can come before the Lord with our thankfulness, our petitions, our fears, and our brokenness. It’s truly mind-blowing when you let it sink in.

But there are times when we might feel far from God. Maybe we’ve turned to some other idol—a person, a substance, an activity—to fill a soul-hole. Maybe we’re frustrated because a prayer is not being answered when and how we want it to be, so we—like a spoiled toddler—cross our arms and turn our backs on our gracious and loving Father. Whatever the reason for this perceived disconnect, the Bible gives us clear direction as to how to enter into God’s presence.

The Psalms are so beautiful, and they capture pretty much every emotional and spiritual experience we can go through. David’s, in particular, express much of what we go through…but he always turns his focus back to God’s sovereignty, power, holiness, grace, and justice. Psalm 100 (which isn’t explicitly written by David), is a lovely reminder of who God is—and, based on that, we’re to be thankful. But it’s the second verse that highlights a super-cool duality of worship.

“Come before Him with joyful singing.” This simple statement can actually be read in two ways, each of which deliver a powerful truth. First, the meaning can be: “When you come into the presence of the Lord, do so with joyful singing.” This totally makes sense, right? When we consider God in His magnificence, it’s a logical response to burst out in joyful song! (Which, by the way, we can now only dimly experience, but one day we’ll see Him in all His glory—and, oh, I can only imagine those songs!)

But, going back to those times when we feel far from God, this verse can also be an instruction for how to enter into His presence. “How do we come before Him? With joyful singing!” In other words, when we’re feeling disconnected, or when we simply don’t “feel” like worshipping, there is a solution: Joyfully sing! Throw on your favorite praise song…and sing. Loudly. Sing songs of who God is—His character, His providence. Sing about His amazing grace that rescued and redeemed you. Remind yourself in song that He will never leave or forsake you—that Christ is all you need. When you feel anxious, fearful, discouraged, or disconnected…sing. The joy will come. The next thing you know, you’ll be in His marvelous presence.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of coming before You with praise, thanksgiving, and joyful songs!

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life