Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
- Psalms 33:1
THE BACKGROUND
The Psalmist, likely David, is worshiping and calls upon his fellow believers to shout joyful praise to the Lord. He exclaims that praise is appropriate—God is certainly worthy of approval. In a biblical context, only righteous people can possess true joy. This does not require moral perfection. Instead, it means a person who diligently seeks God's will and doesn't openly defy Him (Matthew 6:33). Hearts out of tune with the Lord cannot sing beautiful praise to Him or offer suitable praise.
In his life, David experienced many victories over his enemies. He had deep, personal reasons to call on the congregation to shout for joy. Life can be tricky for faithful believers (John 16:33). The Lord's people may not see anything to be joyful about in their surrounding circumstances. And yet, there are many reasons to be joyful despite those hardships because they are God's people (Romans 8:18). In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote about joy in the Lord, often noting that he rejoices (Philippians 1:18; 2:17–18). He encourages the Philippian believers to rejoice in the Lord and repeats this appeal (Philippians 4:4).
Many of the Psalms cry to God for help and strength amid difficulties. Still, so many of these Psalms also proclaim trust in God by recalling God's righteousness and justice, remembering the mercy and strength He displayed in former times, and rejoicing in the truth of God's Word and the glories of His great majesty.
So often, we see that in times of trials and difficulties, the Psalmists lifted their voices in hymns of thanksgiving and praise, calling on the righteous to be joyful in the Lord, to rejoice in the God of their salvation, and to sing to the Lord with thankful hearts, for praise, worship, and thanksgiving from the man or woman who loves the Lord is beautiful and beneficial.
In this Psalm, the Psalmist is rejoicing in the world's Creator, Whose plans stand forever, Who loves righteousness and justice, and Whose work is always done in faithfulness. Oh, what a blessing that the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. When we meditate on these things, we cannot help but break out in songs of praise and worship to our Lord.
The theme of rejoicing in the Lord and singing praise to His name with a grateful heart is a thread that weaves its way throughout the entire Scriptures, for there is no adversity that can stand against a heart that delights in the Lord. No difficulty can overcome the person who is filled with praise for our God.
We have been declared righteous in the sight of God because we trusted in the only begotten Son of God. Let us, therefore, rejoice in the Lord and sing praises to the God of our salvation, for this is beautiful and beneficial, and we should praise His name.
PLEASE PRAY WITH ME
Praise Your holy name for all Your goodness to me and all humanity. Thank You for adopting me into your family and seating me with Christ in heavenly places. Let me never forget Your loving-kindness, O Lord, and may praise be forever on my lips, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus' name, I pray, AMEN.
SUMMARY
David summons the worshipers of Israel to be joyful as they praise God. The Psalm celebrates God's creative power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. Rather than relying on earthly strength, the Lord's people can trust in His omnipotent power. This results in collective praise for God and His unfailing love for those who trust and hope in Him.