Psalm 100 is a hymn of thanksgiving that highlights six actions of worship: Make (v.1), Serve (v.2), Come (v.3), Enter (v.4a), Give (v.4b), and Bless (v.4c). True worship flows from inward joy and is expressed outwardly without restraint, just as David danced before the Lord when the Ark was brought to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:14). Overwhelmed by God’s presence, David unashamedly gave himself fully in worship. Likewise, we should not hold back but express our thanksgiving in song, dance, lifted hands, or whatever means of praise we know, for God deserves all of our worship.

Yet it is far easier to praise God when life goes well or when our prayers are answered. What about those days when we are weak, broken, or too weary to lift our hands? How can we still worship then? The psalmist answers: because of who God is, not because of our circumstances.

In verse 3, three pictures are given: God is our Creator, He made us. He is our King, we are His people under His rule. He is our Shepherd, He lovingly leads us. The blessing of belonging to God is that He is in control. The Creator knows what is best, the King has authority to provide, and the Shepherd knows where to lead His sheep. Even in dark seasons, we can trust His sovereign care.

But sovereignty alone is not enough. Human leaders like creators, kings, shepherds, they often fail. Verse 5 assures us that God is different: “For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” God is not only sovereign; He is good. His hesed (a faithful, loyal, unchanging love) never fails. It is the kind of love you glimpse in parents who tirelessly care for their child, or in a wife who prays for years for her husband to know the Lord. God’s steadfast love remains even when we fail Him or turn away. He was the same at the beginning of time, He is the same now, and He will be the same forever. That is why we can trust Him. History reminds us of this. Though churches face highs and lows, God’s love never departs. As Isaiah 54:10 declares: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken.” And the cross is the ultimate proof of His love in Christ Jesus.

So let us worship with joy and thanksgiving, not because life is always smooth, but because our God is sovereign, good, and steadfast in love. With this assurance, we can live securely, knowing that no matter what happens, our Father is in charge.

A story illustrates this well: A father once recalled climbing cliffs with his young son Zac. Suddenly, Zac leapt off a rock, shouting, "Hey Dad! Catch me!" The father turned around to see Zac joyfully jumping off a rock straight at him. Dad performed an instant circus act, catching him and they both fell to the ground. The father barely caught him, shocked, and gasped in exasperation, “Zac! why did you do that?” Zac calmly replied, “Because you’re my Dad.” His trust rested fully on his father’s reliability.

Dear brothers and sisters, if a child can trust his earthly father like this, how much more can we trust our heavenly Father, the Maker of the universe, who loves and protects us unfailingly?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for reminding us through Psalm 100 that our worship is not dependent on circumstances but on who You are. You are our Creator, our King, and our Shepherd. Thank You for Your steadfast love that never fails and for Your faithfulness through all generations. Teach us to worship You with joy and thanksgiving, even in difficult seasons. Help us to trust in Your sovereignty and goodness, resting in the assurance that You are in control. May our lives be a continual offering of praise to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.