Main Thought:
This psalm speaks about proper praise for God at the feast of tabernacles. This weeklong festival reminded the people of their 40-year journey in the wilderness after the exodus. The psalmist encourages us to praise God when we remember His mighty works.
Psalm 81:1-8
Sing aloud to God our strength;
shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
Raise a song; sound the tambourine,
the sweet lyre with the harp.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
at the full moon, on our feast day.
For it is a statute for Israel,
a rule of the God of Jacob.
He made it a decree in Joseph
when he went out over the land of Egypt.
I hear a language I had not known:
“I relieved your shoulder of the burden;
your hands were freed from the basket.
In distress you called, and I delivered you;
I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!
O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
Prayer
O Lord, God of all grace, anoint us with the oil of joy, causing Your Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts, that He may teach us to worship You in spirit and truth. And whenever we enter Your courts, let it be done with a joyous heart, to give glory to You, and to praise Your holy name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.