Sing to the Lord a New Song

Our current teaching series is titled, Surprised By Joy. As we look around today there are a lot of people (Christians) who aren't living in the joy of their salvation. I won't go into why, as the possibilities are numerous. But just stop and think of your own life.

Nehemiah 8:10 reveals to us that, "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Where is the strength of the Church today? We are in need of a new song, one that comes from the River of God.

Take a look at these scriptures and let's find our joy, strength, hope and that new song.

Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. NKJV

Psalm 36:7-9 How precious is Your loving kindness, O God!Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. NKJV

Psalm 149:1 Sing to the Lord a new song,and His praise in the assembly of saints. NKJV


These Psalms are worthy of a full reading, but just these few verses speak of something that is surprising and amazing. Picture the psalmist sitting in worship before the Lord and seeing this incredible river, whose streams make glad (joyful) the city of God, you and me His temple, vessels, fields, workmanship.

Not only does this river fill us with joy, but it is the river of His pleasures. All of God's glory is in His river, it is our fountain of life where revelation and wisdom feed and nurture us.

God and His glory are to be our source of joy. Let us be found in His river of pleasure (joy) and be fully satisfied that it causes the hurting, hopeless world to jump in with us.

We have been invited to swim, soak and be carried away by this river of joy. While abiding in the river, sing a new song. No matter how often you visit the same spot on the river the water will never be the same. It's long gone. The same is true if you find yourself in the river, only this time the shore is never the same. So whether your still on the shore or you're in the river, things are new every morning. That newness is worthy of a new song. Drink it up today, and do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh 8:10).