This psalm of “Praise,” is also a psalm of instruction; instruction on how to prepare for worship and what should be the purpose of worship. David reminds Israel that they are the children of God.

They were waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promise, the Messiah; they were waiting for the first Advent. Their hope was in the Living God and they were waiting to be set free. An oppressed people seem to always place more spiritual emphasis in their preparation for worship and in their worship when the oppression is most real. So David says, “Rejoice in your Worship!”

We are among of those who are the benefactors of the first advent. We are among those who have received the blessings that Jesus came to give. We are the children of God. Foremost among these blessings is “Eternal Salvation.” We should therefore be even more mindful of our spiritual preparation as we go to worship. God has fulfilled his promise to set us free. So, as we go to worship, rejoice! We need to recapture the spirit of that famous Spiritual, “Give me that Old Time Religion.”

Prayer

We thank You God for this Advent season; we are so grateful that You accomplished all that You purposed in the first Advent. Now, grant us the steadfastness and courage to prepare ourselves spiritually as we wait for the Second Advent in accordance with Your word. In Jesus name amen!

Thought for the Day
In preparing for worship; spiritual preparation should precede the preparation of our clothing; and this must occur before Sunday morning.