This psalm is for giving thanks for all the earth. The first three sentences are three ways of saying the same thing: shout to God with joy, worship or serve the LORD with gladness, and come to God with joyful songs. Why should we be so joyful? Because the LORD is God and we are his. We belong to him. We are his people, and his sheep. He is our Shepherd. He loves us, protects us, and provides for us.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him and praise his name! This is a good reminder for us whenever we come to the Lord's house. Come with joy and thanks, not with grumbling and complaints! We have so much to be thankful to God our Shepherd for.

The psalmist gives the primary reason for our joy in verse 5: "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."


Application: I thank and praise you, Lord, for you are my Shepherd! Your love and faithfulness endure forever! Forgive my grumbling and complaining. May I come to you with joy and thanks in worship and prayer.
One Word: Praise God my Shepherd with joy!