“We never outgrow Christ; but we grow to need him more and more.”

— Charles Spurgeon

PSALM 95 - WORSHIP THAT PLEASES GOD

 

Psalm 95 is a call to worship and an act of worship. It teaches us how to worship God and why we do so.

Worship with Joy

 95: 1–2

The psalm opens with an invitation, or a command, to come and sing worship to God. We are to gather together in person (unless physically unable to). Watching on television or computer is not the same. 

When we come together, we sing to the Lord. Our worship services are designed that way: we begin by singing worship songs. 

There are two attitudes that are to be present when we sing. The first is joy The psalmist says “make a joyful noise”. It's not about the quality of our singing, it is about the attitude with which we sing. 

We sing joyfully because God is “the rock of our salvation”. The psalmist seems to be thinking of Israel’s time in the wilderness when God provided water from the rock. (Exodus 17 & Numbers 20) We see that he mentions these specifically in verse 8.  

We have joy because God has saved us, given us his Spirit, and provided for us in many ways. Joy is also winsome; it attracts people to the Lord. 

The second attitude of worship is thankfulness and thanksgiving. The psalms are full of thanksgiving. The picture of worship in heaven also includes thanksgiving, showing the 24 elders around God’s throne saying:

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty…”. (Revelation 11:17)

We have much to be thankful for as believers and we do not want be like those who do not give thanks because their thinking is futile and their hearts darkened. (Romans 1:21)

Worship with Reverence 

95:3–7a

We worship reverently because God is worthy of reverence and worship. That is our motivation to worship. The Psalmist says: ”For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” God is king, the sovereign who reigns over all. Psalm 103:19 says: “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” 

He rules over nature, nations, history, and even the hearts of people.

Nothing is outside His control or surprises him. Daniel 4:35 says: “…he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand or say to him ‘what have you done?’”. 

God’s greatness is revealed in creation. He made the mountains, the oceans, and the dry land. This should produce awe and reverence that leads us to worship.

So, the Psalmist calls us ”Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.” The postures of bowing and kneeling are postures of humility reverence for someone superior to ourselves. True worship moves us to humble ourselves before a holy God.

Believers do this because “…He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture…”. We know him and know we are his. And his people worship him, exalt him, and humble themselves before him.

Robert Grant captured these concepts in his hymn “O Worship The King”. Here are the lyrics:

O worship the King all-glorious above,

O gratefully sing his power and his love:

our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,

pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

O tell of his might and sing of his grace,

whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.

His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,

and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.

Your bountiful care, what tongue can recite?

It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;

it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,

and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,

in you do we trust, nor find you to fail.

Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,

our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend!

O measureless Might, unchangeable Love,

whom angels delight to worship above!

Your ransomed creation, with glory ablaze,

in true adoration shall sing to your praise!

Worship with Obedience

 95:7b–11

Suddenly, the tone changes from celebration to warning. The Psalmist calls us to obey the word of God and avoid hardening our hearts against him. Jesus said his sheep hear his voice and follow him. (John 10:27) 

The psalmist reminds us of Meribah and Massah (Exodus 17; Numbers 20 ), where Israel, despite seeing God’s power, rebelled. They hardened their hearts—and as a result, they missed out on God’s rest.

It is not true worship if we sing but do not listen to God’s word, if we praise but do not obey. God doesn't just want noise from our mouths—He wants obedience from our lives.

Psalm 95 starts with a party and ends with a plea. God is inviting us to worship—but on His terms. Not just with music. Not just with reverence. But with surrendered lives: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.”

If you’ve lost the joy—ask Him to restore it.

If you’ve lost your awe—ask Him to reveal His greatness.

If you’ve hardened your heart—today is the day to soften it.

Let’s not be like the wilderness generation. Let’s be people who sing, bow, and obey.

 “Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.” - John Piper

How Majestic Is Your Name

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.

O Lord, we praise your name.

O Lord, we magnify your name:

Prince of Peace, mighty God;

O Lord God Almighty.

(Michael W. Smith)

PSALM 93 - THE LORD REIGNS

 

This psalm extols God’s sovereign reign over all creation with his power. 

This psalm encourages believers to trust the unshakable reign of God in the midst of a turbulent world.

Introduction

We live in a time of constant change—economies fluctuate, leaders rise and fall, and natural disasters remind us how fragile life can be. Yet amid all this uncertainty, Psalm 93 thunders a timeless truth: “The LORD reigns!” 

This short but powerful psalm lifts our eyes from the chaos of earth to the calm throne of heaven. We can see Let us walk through this psalm three anchoring truths.

The Lord Reigns In Majesty 

93:1-2

These verses tell us three things: (1) the Lord reigns; (2) the Lord is Majestic; and (3) the Lord is eternal.

The psalmist begins by saying “the Lord reigns”. Then, he shows us this in pictures. 

“Reigns” is an active verb. God actively reigns over all of creation. He reigns over heaven and he reigns over earth. God is not passive. 

Deism teaches that God created the world and then sits back and lets it run its course. He watches, but does not interfere or intervene.

There is a song that captures this Deistic thought. It's called From A Distance, written by Julie Gold. It repeats the phrase “God is watching us, from a distance”. 

That is not the Biblical view of God. 

The psalmist then says the Lord is robed in majesty. The word picture of a robe ties into the concept of reigning. Kings are known to have elaborate robes that reflected their exalted status. 

The Lord’s “robe”, however, is his very majesty. Majesty is awe inspiring splendor, glory, power, and honor. It is grandeur. His majesty does not come from an external source. He is intrinsically majestic and glorious.

Isaiah had a vision of God on his throne and wrote: “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple”. (Isaiah 6:1) The Lord appeared to be so majestic that his robe filled up the whole temple!

The Lord who reigns is strong. The psalmist presents the image of a warrior wearing a belt to go into battle. Paul used the same image in Ephesians 6 (the whole armor of God). There is no one stronger who can end God’s rule. Satan is strong, but Jesus defeats and binds even him. (Matthew 12:29)

God’s reign is eternal. (2) “From of old” and “everlasting” remind us that God’s kingdom is not subject to time. He doesn’t change with the seasons of culture or history. God’s throne is established—not debated, not temporary, not threatened. And the creation, the world, over which he reigns will not be destroyed by evil forces. 

The Lord Jesus upholds the universe with the word of his power. (Hebrews 1:3)

The Lord Rules Over Chaos 

93:3–4

For the Israelites, “Floods”, like the sea, symbolize chaos, danger, or overwhelming circumstances in the Bible. (3) There are always those who want to create turmoil and rebellion. 

This image is powerful: the waters roar—but God’s voice is louder. He is “on high,” above it all, unmoved, and in control. Chaos does not overwhelm God. Remember that Jesus calmed the seas, showing that he is God. (Mark 4:39) 

As God has power over the sea, he has power over those who create chaos.

The Lord’s Word Is Sure and His House Is Holy 

93:5

“Decrees” refers to God’s Word—His promises and commands. They are trustworthy, firm, and dependable.

Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”. (Matthew 24:35) 

God’s holiness means He is utterly pure, set apart, and worthy of reverence. His reign is not corrupt or malicious. He rules with righteousness and purity.

Takeaways

When we feel overwhelmed by the powers of the world—governments, armies, systems—remember that God is still on the throne, and He wears the garments of supreme authority. Isaiah was given his vision of God’s throne during a time of uncertainty, when a good king had died. 

When you feel small or powerless, meditate on the majesty of God. Let His greatness redefine your perspective.

Earthly kingdoms come and go. The Roman Empire once looked eternal; today it’s a subject of history books. But God’s kingdom? Still reigning. Still supreme.

Let this truth settle your heart. You can trust God’s plan because His throne isn’t subject to polls, elections, or wars.

When chaos rages, don’t listen to the floods—listen to the voice of the One who says, “Peace, be still.” Your God is mightier than the flood.

Build your life on God’s trustworthy Word. In a world of shifting values, the Word of God is your sure foundation.