1 Shout for joy(A) to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord(B) with gladness; come before him(C) with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God.(D) It is he who made us,(E) and we are his[a]; we are his people,(F) the sheep of his pasture.(G)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving(H) and his courts(I) with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.(J) 5 For the Lord is good(K) and his love endures forever;(L) his faithfulness(M) continues through all generations.
First, worship the Lord our shepherd (1-3). The LORD we worship is the Creator of all things. He created each of us. We belong to him, and he takes care of us like a good shepherd who takes care of each of his sheep, calling them by name. Knowing this gives us clear identity, purpose, and security. Second, give thanks to him for he is good (4-5). When we know our Shepherd and Creator, we should listen to his voice, entering his gates and courts with thanksgiving and praise. When we are unthankful, we become like stubborn and rebellious sheep. The cure is to look up and remember our shepherd, who is good and whose love endures forever. Let's thank him for his faithfulness, enduring every generation.
Prayer: Father, thank you for taking care of me as my Creator and Shepherd. Help me come to you in thanksgiving and praise every day.