Psalm 92:1-4 (CB)

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

To us the word “rest” conveys inactivity, but the main way the Biblical Sabbath day renews strength and joy is through worship. Praise is “good” v1. Anything that we love or serve more than God becomes an idol that saps our strength. Idols of career or money or relationship are never satisfied. So the worship of the One true God of perfect love restores and invigorates us. V 4 says we should find our joy in “what [God’s] hands have done.”Christians know more about His work of salvation than did former generations. We have far more reason to sing for joy than anyone, because we are loved with the costly love of the cross.

Prayer: Lord, let me know the rest & restoration that come from real worship. Only there can I get relief from the drain of worry, of self-consciousness, and of resentment. Send your Spirit to “make me glad by your deeds” and “sing for joy at what your hands have done.” Amen