Psalm 33, 100 & 118

Memory Verse: Psalm 118:15 - “Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”

Song: Great Things by Phil Wickham

I remember the first time I experienced what the bible describes as “the joy of the lord.” Do you remember what that feels like? When was the last time you overflowed with joy?

I was worshiping in a room full of students during my freshman year. I had just decided to follow Jesus, and everywhere I looked, God was showing me more and more of His Kingdom. The truth of the gospel was more precious and beautiful than it had ever been before. Then it hit me.

It was as if something inside me had been building. God allowed me to see all he’d done for me in Jesus, and a sense of deep gratitude, happiness, and awe exploded within me. My eyes welled up with tears, my voice cracked, and I just had to stand in complete reverence for all God had done. 

These moments of overflowing joy don’t come often, but when they do, there’s nothing better. 

That’s the emotion behind these three Psalms. Reread these few verses.

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;

    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

2 Praise the Lord with the harp;

    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

3 Sing to him a new song;

    play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Psalm 33:1-3

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Psalm 100:1

Shouts of joy and victory

    resound in the tents of the righteous:

“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!

Psalm 118:15

This is what happens when God’s people are overwhelmed by His love and mercy—shouts of joy, spontaneous song, resounding praise, overflowing joy.

We shouldn’t believe that expressions of great emotion are the only way to worship God. But we should expect that the spirit can and does move our hearts this way. We should be moveable.

When was the last time you experienced overflowing joy? When was the last time you were moved to song or shouts of praise?

As I write this, I realize that, for me, it’s been a while. So here’s my prayer, and I want to challenge you to pray this with me. 

Father, you have done great things for me. You have saved me from sin and death. You have given me a new heart and new life in Christ. Help my heart, my will, and my emotions to be moved by all you’ve done. Help me to overflow with Joy.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.