Similar to the two psalms that immediately precede Psalm 98, the psalmist implores us to:
“...sing to the Lord; make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95:1)
“...make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:2)
“...sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth!” (Psalm 96:1)
“...sing to the Lord, bless His name.” (Psalm 96:2)
The command, clearly expressed, is for us to sing–or at least make a joyful noise–to our God. We will see the same encouragement in this week’s scripture reading in Psalm 98.
Scripture Reading for Sunday, May 25, 2025
Psalms 98 (ESV)
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.
Reflections on Scripture Reference
Here in Psalm 98 we are once again reminded to sing to the Lord. It is always a great joy for me to find a scripture reading that calls the people of God to worship Him through song. Of course, as the worship leader, it is my desire to hear the people of God lift their voices to Him in corporate worship through singing. As we have seen in the prior psalms, you do not have to be a gifted singer to praise God through singing. The psalmist at once calls for song and/or the making of a joyful noise to the Lord. This can be done by all those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. Even those without the ability to speak can pick up an instrument and make a joyful noise. It also strikes me as wonderful beyond my ability to comprehend it that the psalmist repeatedly reminds us that even creation is making a joyful noise. In this psalm, the seas roar, the rivers clap their hands, and the hills sing for joy together (v7-8). All that the Lord has made rejoice in Him.
It is also important to remember why we are to offer up songs of praise to Him. Notice in verse 1 that we sing a new song because HE has done marvelous things. What marvelous things you ask? He has worked salvation for His people! He has “has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. 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” (Psalm 98:2-3). Is it no wonder that we lift our songs of praise to Him who has raised us from death to life. The Lord is our salvation!
Ponder these things this week as you prepare for corporate worship. Meditate on the gracious gift of mercy that God has provided by sending His own son to save a people for Himself. Spend time at the foot of the cross and gaze upon the loving arms of Jesus Christ your savior. As you do, remember that God has worked salvation for you, a rebel sinner. The full reality of that truth should cause you to make a joyful noise to the Lord!
Song Selection for Sunday, May 25, 2025
I Will Sing of My Redeemer
As we reflect on the salvation provided to us through Christ, let us heed the calls of the psalmist and sing of our redeemer! “Sing, O Sing of my redeemer, with His blood He purchased me. On the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free.”
I SIng Praises
I thought it fitting that we lift our praises through song with this hymn that declares the greatness of our God. “I sing praises to Your name, O Lord, for Your name is great and greatly to be praised!”
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
What other name has power to save? None but Jesus. So, we list our praises to Him. “Hail Him who saves you by His grace and crown Him Lord of All.”
All I Have is Christ
Finally, we lift our voices as one to proclaim that we have nothing else but Him. The reason for our song, our joyful noise, is found in no other and nothing else. For all we have is Christ.
Song for Consideration
Psalm 42 (Loudest Praise)
by Shane & Shane. Recorded live at Liberty University.
Lyrics
As the deer pants for the water
So my soul pants for You
All my tears have been my fodder
Day and night my only food
Oh my soul you feel forgotten
Put your hope in Christ alone
As the deer longs for the water
So my soul longs to be home
Chorus
Come thou fount of living water
Tune my heart to bless Your name
Streams of trouble never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
As the deep cries out for answers
As Your waves crash over me
Let Your goodness like a fetter
Bind my broken heart to Thee
In the night Your song is with me
Day by day You hold me fast
Oh my soul hope in Jesus
You shall praise your God at last
Deep calls to deep
Waves of unbelief
Breakers crash and bring me
Falling to my knees
It goes on and on and on
Where is my God
My salvation is in You and You alone
