Notes on Psalm 66

Notes on Psalm 66

(Psa 66:1) To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: When I was first introduced to praise and worship in song, I didn't quite know what to think about it. I was use to singing southern gospel music and in praying around the altar at the end of the church service but not the modern praise and worship in today's churches. It is different now but that doesn't mean its all bad. In our music, we need to embrace the songs that truly tell of God's wonderful works, that praise His name and give Him glory. We need to be careful that our worship is toward Him and not the beat of the music. This doesn't mean that our worship songs have to be slow and without a beat but we must be careful that the music brings honor and glory to God. There is nothing wrong with the upbeat music as long as it glorifies God. In doing so, however, lets be careful not to abandon the old hymns of the church. Remember the congregation comprises older people as well as new and they need to worship too. Many miss the hymns in today's music and feel left out with so much emphasis on all new stuff. The main thing is to take the example of David and desire to worship with song as well as praise.

I had someone ask me once, "Why do your churches praise and worship so much? Can't you honor God better be doing service, helping others and doing good things?"

He has a point. If all we did was praise and worship and we had no teaching of the word, sooner or later our lives would not back up what we sang about. The word is what cleanses and keeps us right with God. The word teaches us how to act, live and work among unbelievers. The word gives us strength. We need to receive the word and then let that word bring forth action in our daily lives. This will cause us to reach out to others.

However, let us not abandon praise and worship. It does accomplish much.

Psa 30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

(Psa 66:2) Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
(Psa 66:3) Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
(Psa 66:4) All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
(Psa 66:5) Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
(Psa 66:6) He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
(Psa 66:7) He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
(Psa 66:8) O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
(Psa 66:9) Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
(Psa 66:10) For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
(Psa 66:11) Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
(Psa 66:12) Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
(Psa 66:13) I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,
(Psa 66:14) Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.
(Psa 66:15) I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.
(Psa 66:16) Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
(Psa 66:17) I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

Worship consists of:

1. Praising
2. Singing
3. Fervent prayer
4. Receiving the word
5. Living the life of holiness
6. Believing in God from the heart
7. Meditation upon the word of God

(Psa 66:18) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Iniquity or sin separates us from God and hinders our prayers unless that prayer is a prayer of repentance.

When we repent, that means that we are sorry for sin and sorry to the point of wanting to give that sin up and change. When we ask God to forgive us and cleanse us from that sin, we then have our fellowship with God restored. Then we are ready for the worship we discussed previously.

This sin can only be done away with through faith in Jesus Christ whom God sent to us to make the sacrifice for us for our sins to be forgiven and removed. Jesus is the only true way to get rid of sins. That is why He is more than just another religion. He is the way to Heaven. He is the only way to victory over sin. Sin kills and destroys. Jesus died for sins making Himself the perfect spotless sacrifice for our sins. He did not deserve death Himself so His suffering and death counts on behalf of all who receive Him and believe the word of God concerning Him. Jesus is our savior, redeemer and giver of eternal life.

After receiving this free unearned gift from God, we then can sincerely offer Him praise and worship.

(Psa 66:19) But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
(Psa 66:20) Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

The fact that God hears our prayers and does not turn away is something to praise Him and sing unto Him for.

Psalm 67

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