We do not always know the circumstances about what was happening when the psalmist took his pen to let us see what a man after God’s own heart was dealing with. Such is not the case of Psalm 96. The historical setting of that psalm is found 1 Chronicles chapter sixteen.
King David had defeated the Jebusites who occupied Jerusalem and had prepared a place in that city to place the ark of the covenant in the tent/tabernacle he had erected there. As the ark was brought, a host of Jewish worshipers assembled. The divine record describes it in these words. “So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it. Then they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God…On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the Lord” (1 Chron. 16:1, 7).
What was the heart of David like as he worshiped God? Look at this psalm, and then be determined to let your heart be like this man as you come to worship Him.
David urged the people to “Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wonderful works” (16:9). While you focus on Him, He is focused on you. Sing praises to Him. “Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who see the Lord” (16:10). Let your soul commune within and glorify His name as you sing.
“Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face evermore” (16:11). Perhaps the words of Paul explain this best. “You were raised with Christ, seek those things above where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above” (Col. 3:1-2). You are in His presence so devote your entire being to the glorification and adoration of Him.
“Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth …Remember His covenant forever” (16:12, 15). That covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob finds its final fulfillment in you! As you worship, remember all that He has done so that you can come before Him to worship.
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations” (16:23-24). Our adoration of Him does not end when the final prayer is prayed. Our faith has been fortified and we leave the assembly, but there is more. In several church buildings I have seen a sign saying, “Enter to Worship,” but there was another sign posted as you left the building, “Leave to Serve.” The blessing and joy of worship must be shared with the world.
God help us to worship Him like David did!