Rejoice in the Lord

   Psalms 33: 1-7
1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

   In verse #1 we read . . . Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

  We are told here to rejoice or to be joyful “in the Lord” which refers to how we (as a righteous man) should be grateful (or happy) about our relationship with the Lord.

We also learn that this idea of "rejoicing" is specifically directed toward those who are righteous (which refers to the man who is living within the boundaries of God’s law). 

The idea being – that the man who has forsaken God’s Law – is a man who doesn’t have much to rejoice about . . . running from God is not a pleasant experience in any man's life.

This first verse ends by telling us that "praise" which is talking about (confession – and thanksgiving) are things that are appropriate (suitable - or fit) to be found in the life of a just man (a man whose “path of life” is not perfect but straight or directed within God's will).

Ps 33: 2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“Praise the Lord” simply refers lifting the Lord up – it means to put God in His proper place in our lives by living with an attitude of thankfulness an humility . . . to praise

the Lord with harp – with the psaltery – or with an an instrument of ten strings – and for us to sing . . . refers to how we sometimes express the joy in our heart with song and music . . . 

  

  I think what we are being taught here – is simply that it is entirely appropriate (in our worship of God) to sing praises unto God from a thankful heart . . .

The new song that is referred to here - is the idea singing a fresh song (or singing with a renewed since of thankfulness) . . . and when we are told to play skillfully – this does not mean that (in our worship) God wants us to be “professional grade” musicians . . .

   What He is telling us – is that God desires our “songs of praise” to be beautiful (not necessarily in melody) but in respect to how our songs should reflect a thankful heart – a heart that really does
love and admire God . . . this is the “fresh sound” for which God listens – this is “the type of song” that god is hoping to hear among his children . . .

4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

“The word of the Lord” – is a phrase that can properly be considered as "how" God has chosen to provide for us . . . We learn here that the provisions which God has provided for us – are things that are good, they are things which are right – and they are just exactly what we need . . .

Everything that God does is steady – everything that God does is true – and everything that God does is “right down the line”.

Ps 33: 5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

At first glance – the phrase “For God to love righteousness AND judgment” appears to contradict one another . . . why would God love judgment when for the most part "judgment" means pain – injury – death . . .? 

  2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

You see – the idea that God loves judgment – does not mean that

  God loves condemnation – but it means that God loves the idea of extending a pardon – to those who repent.

In our first verse the word “Righteousness” refers to the description of a man whose character is upright – just – or virtuous . . . a righteous man . . .

We can easily understand why God would love this type of character . . . But now let’s consider the word “Judgment” as it is used here . . . this is actually a legal term – it literally refers to a verdict – or to being sentenced in a court of law – it actually refers to “the act” of
justice or to the ultimate concept of being “fair” according to the dictates of the law (in this case God’s Law) . . .

  This concept of abiding by The Law is good for those on the right side of God’s Law . . . Now this does not refer to the ability to live a sinless life (because this cannot be achieved) – but it does refer
to the willingness to live in humility and obedience as we admit our faults (confess) our faults and repent . . . 

   But this concept of justice or being fair is not a good thing for those who live on the wrong side of the law . . . referring to those who live in pride such that they refuse to see their faults – they refuse
to admit any guilt and they never seek the forgiveness of God’s pardon . . . 

  which should cause each of us to consider the question of "which side of God’s law have we chosen to live our lives on . . ."

James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

“Mercy” is related to the idea of compassion – while “the judgment” referred to here in James is related to condemnation (damnation).

God loves mercy – God loves to find the character of righteousness (humility) within the lives of His Children . . . 

   In keeping with our text verses -- it is suitable – it is appropriate – it is expected that God will find an attitude of “thankful praise” in such a man’s’ life (that is in the life of a righteous man).

God does not love condemnation – but God does love “the verdict of forgiveness” which is rendered (given/applied) in respect to those
who are washed in His blood through faith and repentance.