Psalm 100

Come Before His Presence

"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (Psalm 100:2) 

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalm 100:4)

God's people ought to be a people of prayer, but we should also be a happy people. I believe that God wants us to be happy, and has blessed us abundantly to assure our happiness. Why not then, combine the prayer with the joy? It only makes sense that our God would not want us to come before His throne in a saddened and downcast countenance, but in the Joy of the Lord, which is our real strength. In Psalm 100, we see an excellent approach to God in prayer. Picture with me the Old testament Tabernacle. As one would walk through the gate, they enter the courtyard, then straight on to the Holy place, which is in the tent, and behind that, the Holy of Holies. No one could enter the Most Holy place (Holy of Holies) except the High Priest, and he could only do that once a year, and only with a blood sacrifice. Think of this as we look at Psalm 100:

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (vs. 1,2)

In vs. 1,2 we see the attitude of prayer. No one wants to see someone down in the dumps all the time, but when there is much to rejoice about, let us show our exuberance as we approach the throne of grace. We should "come before His presence with singing," after all, it is He that gives us a "song in the night." We need to also serve Him with a glad heart, in excitement, and anticipation. 

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (v.4) 

This verse says it all. As we approach the throne, we are to enter the gate with a thankful heart. There is so much to be thankful for, and thanksgiving is a type of praise and adoration, not to mention an appreciative spirit. Then, as we enter the gates, we find ourselves in a courtyard, this ought to be filled with praise. His name is Holy, and Wonderful, and worthy of all praise. We ought to bless His name. This is not only befitting our great God, but it prepares us better for meeting Him, and laying our petitions at His feet. --Marty Dunn

Return To Marty Dunn's Devotion List

This page has been displayed 4 times this month, 36 times since October 11, 2008 .