Verses 1-3
-
As much as we are encouraged to proclaim the gospel to others, we won't do so very often unless we ourselves have joy in praise to God. Singing to God a new song can mean, every day, rather than falling to a stale routine, we take on renewed thoughts of gratitude to God, praying new prayers, and seeking to obey God in a new, greater way.
-
There's always a new way to celebrate the salvation we have in Christ. Meditate deeply on how to do this, and every day your mind will be refreshed with joy and praise. As a result, your joy will make you more effective in sharing the same salvation with others.
-
Verses 4-9
-
The difference between the true God and false gods is clear. False gods are useless idols, but God is the Creator of all things. For His glory and power, we owe Him everything we have.
-
Love Him with all your strength, serve Him with your greatest excellence, and worship Him in godly fear by living a holy, obedient life.
-
Giving your body to Him in obedience, as a living sacrifice, is acceptable worship to God (Romans 12:1).
-
-
God's name is worthy of our greatest affection, and the least we can do is love Him with our whole being.
-
Verses 10-13
-
As another way to serve and please God, tell others about God! Remind others that the earth is in His control, and that He will keep it firm until He brings in the end in His judgment.
-
When He brings His judgment upon the earth, “creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption” (Romans 8:21), and death will come to an end.
-
Right now, trees toil to accomplish the one purpose given to them by God, which is to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, so our air, and to produce fruit that humans and animals can eat. When trees are healthy and strong, they are in a state of rejoicing, in a sense. And after Christ returns, and death comes to and end, plants will do their purpose with ease rather than toil, and that will mean rejoicing for them.
-
Think like a tree. Exist for one purpose, which is to do what God's Word commands you to do. Work hard for this purpose, and know that you will have joy. Keep your hope in Christ, and be patient (Romans 8:24-25). Even greater joy will come in the future!
-

