Make a Joyful Noise
April 23 - Psalm 100
Open It
When do you feel like shouting for joy or singing?
When (in what situations or for what acts) do you expect a thank you or acknowledgment of a favor you've done?
Explore It
What attitude is recommended to accompany the praise of God's people? (100:1, 4)
Who is called to worship the Lord? (100:1-3)
Why is the Lord worthy of praise? (100:1-5)
How does the psalm writer describe the relationship God has with his followers? (100:3)
What imagery is used to describe God's protection of his people? (100:2)
What does this psalm say about Israel's special relationship with the Lord? (100:3, 5)
Why should the world acknowledge the Lord through praise? (100:3-5)
Where should believers offer their praise to God? (100:4)
How should a person enter God's house? (100:4)
How does God demonstrate his goodness to the world? (100:5)
How does this psalm describe the reliability of God's character? (100:5)
Get It
What message comes through most clearly to you in this psalm?
What does this psalm advise us to do?
What should motivate us to worship God?
What is sincere worship?
What attitude should we have toward worshiping God?
What changes do you feel you could make to improve your attitude toward worship and praising God?
What relationship does the Lord want to have with us?
How does this psalm challenge you to rely on the Lord?
Apply It
What statement of praise could you give to God today?
What is one specific step you could take to ensure that your worship of God is sincere and meaningful?
How could you prepare yourself to praise and thank God the next time you go to church for worship?
Notes
Psalm 100:3: God is our Creator; we did not create ourselves. Many people live as though they are the creator and center of their own little world. This mind-set leads to a greedy possessiveness and, if everything should be taken away, a loss of hope itself. But when we realize that God created us and gives us all we have, we will want to give to others as God gave to us (2 Corinthians 9:8). Then, if all is lost, we still have God and all he gives us.
Psalm 100:4: God alone is worthy of being worshiped. What is your attitude toward worship? Do you willingly and joyfully come into God's presence, or are you just going through the motions, reluctantly going to church? This psalm tells us to remember God's goodness and dependability, and then to worship with thanksgiving and praise!