Psalm 100 : verse 4. ' Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name.'
This verse
- in so few words - gives an open invitation to come into God's presence,
instructs us how to approach God and gives insight into the sovereignty and
availability of God.
The psalmist instructs me to enter - no waiting, no excuses - into my Fathers
presence now and every day. God's presence is never closed - He is open all
hours. He longs to see me and spend time with me.
What does he want me to bring when I enter? Only two things - my thanks and
my praise. How many times have we been disappointed after a church service?
It was dull - he was a difficult speaker! God doesn't tell me to worship him
for what we can get from him. He asks me to bring my thanks and my praise.
But He doesn't want me to come in and unwrap my gift of worship - and when
the service is finished wrap it up again. No! He wants me to come in the door
- and go out the door - thanking and praising him.
The words gates and courts give us a sense of coming into the presence of
someone special. How marvellous it is that I am urged to come into the presence
of my King whenever I wish. No other King or Queen offers an open invitation
to their subjects.
I think the reason that this verse sticks in my mind is because it forms the
basis for a chorus we sing.
'I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.'
What a difference in my daily life when I resolve to enter His presence - praising and thanking him for all that He is and has done for me - and making me glad that my life belongs to him.
Comment by Stuart McIlroy.