September 21, 2009
Name that tune
Psalm 98
Tracey Hamilton
Central Truth
When we choose to sing a new song, the Lord is faithful to give us a new heart so that we can shout joyfully and sing praises.
Key Verse | Psalm 98:1
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he performs amazing deeds!
His right hand and His mighty arm accomplish deliverance.
(Psalm 98:1)
Psalm 98
Make a Joyful Noise to the LORD
A Psalm.
1
Oh sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2
The LORD has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
4
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5
Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
7
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
8
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
9
before the LORD, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Dive Deeper | Psalm 98
Name That Tune was a popular television game show that aired from the 50's through the 80's. It pitted two contestants against each other to test their knowledge of songs. The show's band would start playing a song, and the contestant who recognized the song would ring a bell and name that tune.
I have a sweet friend who often recognizes the tune of the song I am singing. She knows that I struggle with perfectionism. When things do not go exactly as I think they should, she has seen me focus on the imperfections in any circumstance. So, there have been many times when my friend has asked me (in the midst of my complaining) to tell her one positive thing about the circumstance or relationship with which I am struggling. My friend is basically guiding me towards changing my tune or singing a new song. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things."
Psalm 98 is praising the Lord for the wonderful things He has done. He is victorious. He has made known His salvation. He is righteous and loving and faithful. When I think about these things, my tune starts to change from one of complaining to one of gratitude.
I will admit that I am often slow to change my tune in the midst of difficult circumstances. The Lord has not always changed my circumstances as I would like, but He has been faithful to change my heart as I focus on being grateful for all He has done and for all the blessings He has given me. He can make a new heart sing a new song.
Discussion Questions
1. What can you give thanks for today? (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
2. What do you spend more time thinking about—the things of this world or the things above? (Colossians 3:2)
3. Do you have a friend right now who needs to be asked "So, tell me something good about . . . ." (Philippians 4:8)