Psalm 100:1-5
All glory and honor and praise is the Lord’s, for He created all. Though on the underside the quilt of God’s handiwork are knots and threads hanging, on the upside (what really counts) is the beautiful tapestry that unfolds. His plan is set, and though at times it may look like all hope is lost, He will always be there to guide His people through. For this reason He deserves all praise and glory because He always works all things for the good of those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). We have reason to rejoice because though He once was not our God and we were not His people, He has adopted us as sons and daughters—He has become our God and He has called us His people. “His people” are those who hear His voice, as sheep do their shepherd.
We must come to God with a thankful heart first and foremost. When we come to God with a heart that is humble and gives Him the glory He deserves, we are acknowledging that we are dependent upon Him in our lives. We first thank Him for who He is and what He has done, and then we enter His courts with praise. Our thanks should come before our praise. First we thank Him for who He is and what He has done, and then we praise Him for who He is and what He has done. We thank Him and then we declare Him worthy of that thanks.
It is His handiwork that He has manifested throughout all generations. There is a woven cord, a lasting remnant, a tribute to the Lord our God. Through it all the Lord has remained faithful even when His people have been faithless. His love is not dependent on the time or season, but He is ever watching and ever moving. He will never leave His people, nor will He forsake them, but He will guide them in all truth by His Holy Spirit.
—Mark