Travis Reese

“O sing unto the Lord a new song” —Psalm 96

Dear Friends,

Today’s reading has two Psalms written by David, Psalm 96:1-7 and Psalm 16:5-11, both celebrating God’s presence in our lives.

The smallest amount of research reveals that David wrote Psalm 96 with singing and dancing in mind as a form of worship.

Singing is such a big part of Sundays at Saint Philip’s, and I’m grateful that we get to listen to so many of the Psalms sung by our choir. It’s part of a truly immersive experience. We see and hear and smell and taste each Sunday, and of course we sing.

“Sing to the Lord, all the Earth” —Psalm 96

And while these two Psalms contain such hopeful words of God‘s triumph, some of the Psalms are full of despair.

It makes sense. David as a military leader would have seen the ugliest parts of humanity, and as a king he would surely feel the burden of his people.

“You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy;” —Psalm 16: 11

David’s path was anything but straight, and his patience was tested waiting to be king. But he believed that God would show him the path of life.

Absorbing David’s idea that God will not only show us the path but also walk alongside us feels hopeful.

I can understand why he would sing, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices…”
— Psalm 16: 9

In Christ,

—Travis