Psalm 100

Psa 100:1 <A Psalm of praise.> Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Psa 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psa 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Psa 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Every time I read the 100th psalm, I am reminded of the tabernacle in the wilderness. In this short psalm we see some dynamic doctrine and great advice.
First we are encouraged to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Our life should be one of joy and singing for the wonderful things the Lord has done for us. Should we come before Him as a defeated enemy, or as a joyous servant? Our Lord would rather see us smiling than dwelling on the dark side of life. There is much to be gloomy about in this world, but it does not compare to the glory of heaven, which we should rejoice in.
Then, when we find ourselves uplifted by song, and our hearts are merry, we can “serve the Lord with gladness”, and come before His presence with a song in our heart. We ought always to be of jovial countenance, and seek Him with gladness when we come before Him with our petitions. Our God is more than able to help us--He is willing, after all, we are His people.

Picture with me the tabernacle. As one approaches from the outside, he comes to the gate on the “fence” of linen that surrounded the tent. The linen represented the righteousness of the saints, dressed in fine white linen. This alone would be an awesome sight, and the thought of this old flesh being made righteous supersedes all the pleasantry one could imagine. Inside the gate, we enter the courtyard. The Gate is entered with thanksgiving because we are privileged to approach the throne of grace. It is indeed a time of thanksgiving.
In the courtyard, we see a brazen altar where a sacrifice is wont to be made. This courtyard in entered with praise on our lips and in our hearts for the Lord. Here we will “bless His name”. This is Calvary, where we were born into the family of God, and will dwell forevermore with Him. Our High priest made the sacrifice on our behalf for the sins we have carried in our heart; definitely a time of thankfulness and praise.
As we continue to approach unto the God of creation, we enter the outer room of the tabernacle. There is a laver to cleanse us, an altar of incense which is the prayers of the saints, a sweet aroma unto our God, and the candlestick which represents our light to shine into the darkness of this world. The “furniture” of the tabernacle formed the shape of a cross if one could see it from above. What a time for us to glorify the Father.
The next room of the tabernacle, separated by a huge and beautiful curtain, we would find the “Holy of Holies” and the mercy seat with cherubim on each side of it and overshadowing it with their wings. This is the throne room of God, where he meets with the us, as the priests and children of God. We have come forth boldly, because the veil (curtain) has been rent in the New Testament, and we have free access to a living, loving Savior.
Can you appreciate this Psalm, and see it as the beautiful psalm pf praise that it is? Can you see the reason it is a psalm of praise? We have so much to praise the Lord of the psalm for.
I hope that you read this wonderful psalm regularly, and enjoy it as I do, and allow it to excite you for the glory of God.