Read Psalm 96:3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
We don’t declare things very often. We might state or inform or even shout, but we only use the word “declaration” in very specific situations. America declared independence in 1776. Someone in financial trouble might declare bankruptcy. Occasionally one nation or army declares war on another. In any of these examples, “declare” is used to enter into a new state of being. A group of colonies becomes a nation, a person’s financial autonomy is stripped, a nation at peace becomes a nation at war.
So, when we declare God’s glory among the nations, what new state of being are we entering?
Psalm 96 continues, exhorting the reader to worship, tremble, bring offerings, and rejoice before God. When we declare God’s glory, we are entering into a state of surrender and joy. He has swept into our lands and conquered it all, but we are able to throw down our weapons and receive him as our liberator! The kingdom has received her King! He has come to settle our accounts, but he has erased our debts! The Judge will swing his gavel, but there is mercy in His eyes! We declare His glory among the nations because His presence is our salvation! He has freed us from prisons of our own making and is now waiting for us at The Table.
Listen – Chris Tomlin – Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) [Lyric Video] – YouTube
