In Psalm 96, the whole world is personified as singing God's praise: the heavens are glad and the earth rejoices, the sea roars with praise and the sea creatures join the chorus, the fields exult and the animals of the field join in the celebration, and the trees of the forest sing for joy (v. 11-12).
Lord, you are the creator of all things (v. 5). You are the God of our salvation (v. 2). You are the coming King who will one day bring justice to this earth and establish peace forever (v. 11, 13). Thinking about your coming kingdom fills our hearts with joy. Thinking about you, in all your glory, in all your goodness, in all your love, fills our hearts with longing and satisfies our deepest longings at the same time. We desperately want to be with you, and yet, we know you are already with us. We long for things to be made right in this world, and yet, having your promises gives us peace. You will come again and renew this world and make all things new. We will sing your praise today, tomorrow, and forever, Lord, for you are good, and your glory fills all the earth. In Jesus' name, amen.
