◄ What Does 1 Chronicles 16:31 Mean? ►

It was David who called on heaven above and the earth beneath to unite their voices in a glorious melody of harmonic praise to the one eternal God. "Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice. And let them say among the nations, 'the Lord God reigns.'" David instructed the angelic host in heaven and the people on the earth, to rejoice in the Lord, when the Ark of the Lord was returned to Jerusalem.

The Ark of the Covenant had been rescued from the Philistines, and was finally being brought back to Israel, and placed inside the tent that David pitched for it. David called for burnt offerings to be made and peace offerings to be presented before the Lord. He blessed the people in the name of God and appointed Levites as ministers to celebrate before the Lord. And David called the people to give thanks and praise - for the Lord reigns on High.

Asaph played loud-sounding cymbals, and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests blew trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. This was a day of great rejoicing and on that day, David decreed that thanks and praise be offered to the Lord by Asaph and his relatives.

On that day, David's song of thanks was made in the company of all the people. David knew that the wonder and beauty of God's creation is the greatest testimony to the goodness of God. "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice," he wrote. "Let them say among the nations, 'The LORD reigns.'"

The glory of the Lord shines from the heavens above through a myriad of twinkling stars. The greatness of God is witnessed on earth, and the skill of His hand is expressed by the many dancing blossoms and verdant leaves of God's great creative power - or simply through the blush of colour that shines on a butterfly's wing.

The hills rejoice, and the trees clap their hands together, while little lambs skip on the grassy plain and waters wash over the sea. From its heady height to its deepest depth the creation proclaims, in marvellous unison, the glories of the Lord of heaven and earth.

But it is not only the heavens that are called to be glad, and the earth to rejoice below, but the Psalmist is encouraging all men everywhere to speak of the glory of God. The people of God and the nations of the world are encouraged to proclaim the wonders of His name and to cry aloud together, "The LORD reigns!" for He is clothed with majesty and might.

The Lord is robed in light, and He has girded Himself with strength and power. The heavens declare His glory, and the world also is established, so that it cannot be moved. But the superlative expression of God's glory, which must warrant our eternal rejoicing, is found in the gracious person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is by HIM the earth below and angels above were created.  It is through His mighty power that all things are held together. In His grace and love, He reached down to the fallen race of man, to pick us up out of the miry clay and set our feet on the Rock of our salvation.

It is no wonder that we who have been redeemed from all nations, and peoples, and tribes, and tongues, are overflowing in exultant joy, by proclaiming, "the LORD reigns!" May it be our daily prayer that those who do not rejoice in Christ Jesus as Saviour, come to a saving knowledge of His grace and mercy, while it is still today.

This is a hymn of hope - not only for the people of Israel and the nations of the world, but also for the Church of God. Together we should sing a new song to the Lord, for He is the Lord of heaven and earth. We should give thanks to the Lord and call upon His name. We should make known His deeds among the people, for He is good and His mercy endures forever.

We should praise the Lord and give Him the thanks that are due to Him, for He is good and His mercy endures forever. "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let us  say among the nations, 'The LORD God reigns.'"

Oh, let us give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name. Let us make known His deeds among the peoples. Let us sing praises to Him and speak of all His wonders. Let us glory in His holy name and let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Let us seek the Lord with all our heart and mind and soul and strength. Let us seek His face continually. Let us remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, for marvellous are His works and the judgments from His mouth are altogether righteous.

Praise Your name, O Lord most high. I glory at your wonderful creative power, but I wonder more at the amazing grace that You have shown to me in dying for me on Calvary’s cross. I pray that You will use me to tell out the glories of Your name, in the place where You have planted me. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.