Serve!

Serve!

Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing. Psalm 100:2 KJV

Context and Charge:

Interestingly, nobody is directly credited with writing the words of this psalm, but all who have read it agree that the psalm is loaded with meaning for a life that seeks to please and praise God. As always, the need for a personal encounter with this God cannot be overemphasized. People can say whatever it is that they please, but the words of a man who has encountered Christ will always reflect that encounter. When you refer to anyone as the Lord, you recognize and submit to His authority, power and territory. You do not have an issue with whatever He commands, and are quick to come into His presence, get your orders, and then go out in obedience to do as He has commanded. That is the life that can write the words of the verse we are considering today. 

I note the word GLADNESS. One definition says it is a 'feeling pleasure or happiness'. I submit that it is deeper than just a feeling. It has to go deeper than just a feeling. It must have a life of its own, if it is to thrive through pain, pressure and problems. If I am not living for a purpose bigger and deeper than my external circumstances, I would not bear the pain. It does not mean that events around you will make you happy, but you are sure that the presence of God in you will guarantee that you will always have joy. That is the difference between situations and circumstances which make you happy or sad, and a heart that always has joy and seeks to serve and please God, no matter what the external circumstances say. What do you have: just happiness, but gladness and joy?

Conviction and Conclusion:

I am called to serve. That has to be the essence of my life. When I do it right, I am always in His presence, content with whatever lot he brings me. I do not envy another man's race; I just focus on the One before whom I am standing, and the One I serve. After all, a servant bears true, full and total allegiance to the master, and would not pay any attention to the commands of another master, as long as s/he is still in the employment of the first master. When the joy of coming before God is personal, and you have come to know God for who He is, not first about what you can get from Him, it will always lead to a breakout of praise. Nobody will cajole or compel me; the benefits and blessings of His being speak loud enough for me to covet them. God's time of favour is here.