This is a Psalm of Asaph about Gitit. In this psalm we can see the trumpet call that this psalmist makes to the people of Israel to praise God with joy, with songs of praise to the Lord.
This call is not made in a spirit of obligation, but rather as an invitation filled with joy and celebration. Asaph understands that worship is not a cold or mechanical act, but a living expression of gratitude that flows from the heart of a people who recognize the greatness of their God. Praise, in this context, is a response to who God is and to what He has done throughout the history of Israel.
Asaph urges the people to sing with great joy to the Lord because He is our strength, He is the God of Jacob, come on, shout His name with joy because salvation comes from Him.
By calling God “our strength,” the psalmist reminds the people that their victories, preservation, and endurance did not come from their own power. Israel was sustained through God’s intervention, guidance, and protection. The God of Jacob is the same God who remained faithful through generations, even when His people failed. This is why joyful praise becomes a testimony of trust and dependence.
Asaph listed three very vital instruments for worshiping the Lord:
Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
Psalm 81:2
These instruments represent more than musical variety; they symbolize the fullness of worship. Each instrument contributes a unique sound, just as each believer contributes a unique offering of praise. Worship was never meant to be monotonous or lifeless, but rich, expressive, and communal. Through music, the people declared God’s sovereignty and rejoiced in His presence.
Every people that serves and pays homage to the Lord must praise Him with everything they possess. Praise the Lord your God.
This statement reminds us that worship is not limited to songs or instruments alone. True praise involves the heart, the mind, and the will. It includes obedience, humility, and a life that reflects God’s goodness. When the people of God give themselves fully to Him, praise becomes a way of life rather than a momentary action.
Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Psalm 81:1
The command to sing aloud shows that praise should not be hidden or silent. God deserves open and visible worship. The joyful noise mentioned here emphasizes sincerity rather than perfection. God delights in the heartfelt praise of His people, even when it is imperfect, as long as it flows from genuine gratitude.
From the Lord comes our joy and our salvation, come on people, let us serve the almighty God with joy because His mercy endures forever.
Joy rooted in salvation is not dependent on circumstances. Even in times of difficulty, the people of God can rejoice because their hope is anchored in His mercy. Asaph reminds Israel that their relationship with God is founded on grace and faithfulness, qualities that never change.
Let us not forget that we must be grateful for His great goodness, not ignoring all that God has done from time to time, how He has saved us from the wild beasts of the earth.
Gratitude plays a vital role in worship. Forgetfulness leads to spiritual coldness, but remembrance renews faith. When the people recalled God’s past deliverance, they were encouraged to trust Him again. Remembering His goodness strengthens worship and renews commitment.
Let us praise God with everything we have, with every musical instrument, let us praise Him before Him, let us sing as Psalm 150 tells us, because the glory of God has brought joy to all His people Israel and to all the other nations. Praise the Lord forever amen.
This psalm ultimately teaches that worship is both a privilege and a responsibility. God’s glory extends beyond Israel to all nations, inviting everyone to join in praise. When God’s people worship Him with joy, unity, and gratitude, they reflect His glory to the world. May our lives, like the sound of many instruments, declare the greatness of the Lord forever.