Psalm 66

Psalm 66 is a call to worship based on the redemptive acts of God in history. The psalmist comes to God with shouts of joy because God had tested his people and brought them safely through a time of difficulty. Part of the beauty of the Psalms is that they speak to the human condition, and that never changes. The Psalm allows us to join in song with the nation Israel and sing of God’s provision in a time of trouble. For them it could be an encounter with a hostile tribe while for us, a strong movement in government toward central control.  Although the difference in time may be 3,000 years, the problem is the same and we can join them as together we sing of God’s redemptive involvement in history.  It is why the praise of God is timeless. That the psalm is addressed to “the director of music” indicates that the psalmist intends it be sung.
 
      
     Come with me and shout for joy
     Sing glory to God’s name;
     Watch the earth bow down before him
     So widespread is his fame.
 
     He rules forever by his power
     He watches over all;
     Lift your voice to honor God
     No praise will be too small.
 
     Come and see what God has done
     His marvels for mankind;
     His people walked through open sea
     Leaving Egypt to drown behind.
 
     You, O God, have tested us
     By water and by fire;
     So now we come to fulfill our vows
     Your grandeur to admire.
 
     Had sin been cherished in my heart
     You wouldn't have listened, Lord;
     But you have heard my honest prayers
     Forgiven, my heart has soared.