Psalm 66

For the director of music. A song. A psalm.

Shout with joy to God, all the earth!

Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!

Say to God, How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.

Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works on man’s behalf!

He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot— come, let us rejoice in him.

He rules for ever by his power, his eyes watch the nations— let not the rebellious rise up against him.

Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;

he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.

For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.

You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.

You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfil my vows to you—

vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.

I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats.

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.

I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;

but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me.

 

Have you ever shouted for joy spontaneously? Perhaps it was watching sport or when you got some great news? I did this week because I beat Baz at University Challenge! (A rare occurrence in our house).

See how the psalmist is recalling what God has done – he recalls the saving of God’s people at the Exodus. We’re really fortunate as Christians because we can not only recall what God did for his people Israel but also what He has done for all nations in sending Christ to die for our sins.

I decided I would show this video as I was looking for an excuse to post it again (it featured in last year’s calendar). I hope it fills you with joy!