Psalm 100:4 – Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Doctrinally, Psalm 100 looks forward to the reign of Christ. Historically, it may have been sung as the Jews brought the peace offering (called the “sacrifice of thanksgiving” – Lev. 7). Devotionally, we see that being truly thankful will manifest itself in our lives.
If we are “thankful unto him” we should sing joyfully. Verse 1 says “Make a joyful noise…” Verse 2 says “come before his presence with singing.” If you are in fellowship with the Lord you will have song in your heart. People sing when they are happy, and they sing about what and who they love. Do you love Jesus Christ? Some people barely move their lips during congregational singing, and others never even grunt an “Amen” during the preaching! Praising God flows out of a grateful heart.
We should also serve gladly if we are truly thankful (Ps. 100:2). Griping and complaining have no place in true service. The reason for our service should be love not just loyalty. The result of our service should be to glorify God (Ps. 100:4 – “bless his name”), not to get praise and recognition.
We should also want to know him intimately (Ps. 100:3). God wants us to know Him in relation to His power as Creator (“it is he that hath made us”). He made us for Himself and has a creative claim on our lives. He also wants us to know Him as Redeemer (“we are his people”). His sacrifice was a propitiation for our sins. Finally, He wants us to know Him as our Shepherd (“we are…the sheep of his pasture”) so He can guide us through life.
Are these qualities active in your life? If not, start by thanking God. It will make all the difference!