February 7, 2017 – Psalm 68:3

But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy. Psalm 68:3The mystery of music continues to capture us. Recently, I listened to children singing Cohen’s Hallelujah with quiet joy. Most of the lyrics are – “Hallelujah!”  Hallelujah means “Glory to God!”  The beginning lyrics are: “I’ve heard there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord!”  David, the man after God’s own heart, who sinned and asked for forgiveness.Singing praise to the Lord connects us, comforts us, and draws us ever closer to His Everlasting Peace.  Another translation says, Sing to God! Sing praises to his Name!  Prepare the way for the one who rides on the clouds. His name is Yah (Jehovah). Worship before him with joy Psalm 68:4.In 1741, Handel wrote the Messiah, one of the most enduring musical tradition of worship.  The lyrics are taken straight from the Bible. In 1950, our college choir sang The Messiah. I still remember the ultimate joy I felt singing with a group, this music to the Glory of God.  “For the Lord God, omnipotent reigneth, Halleujah, Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah…”  It was true then, and true now – “All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!”

Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to Him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord— rejoice in his presence! Psalm 68:4