Listen

Sing to the Lord a new song because he has done wonderful things! His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory! The Lord has made his salvation widely known; he has revealed his righteousness in the eyes of all the nations. God has remembered his loyal love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; every corner of the earth has seen our God’s salvation.

Psalm 98:1-3

Think

When I was in high school and college, I was in the band. At football games, the band played the school fight song after our team scored a touchdown to celebrate victory on the field. The crowds in the stands stood up and sang and celebrated, too. Of course, it wasn’t a new song; it was the same old song each time!

For God’s victory, the psalmist says, we sing a new song – with joy! And what is the victory we celebrate? Not winning a contest or coming out ahead of a competitor. Instead, we celebrate a different kind of victory.

For God, victory came when God made salvation known to all, not just to some. “Every corner of the earth has seen our God’s salvation,” sings the psalmist. From the chosen people of the house of Israel to “all the nations,” God has revealed righteousness. It’s not a competition; the victory is ours and everyone’s. How can we not want to sing?

Jane Claspy Nesmith

Pray

Loving and victorious God, accept my joyful new song in praise of the wonderful things you have done. Help me to remember that your salvation goes to every corner of the earth, to all of your children, whom you love. Hallelujah! Amen.

Go

Wrapped in the peace of God

and strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit,

take the love of Jesus with you

wherever you go today

and everyday.