Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful. O Israel, rejoice in your Maker. O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King. Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.
Psalms 149:1-4 NLT
I was really struck by this translation of this wonderful Psalm. He refers to “the assembly of the faithful.” When we gather together to praise His Name, we come as those who are faithful. If that were the only description we had of a Christian, would we have claim to the title? Here it implies that the ones who gather are the ones who have a genuine faith, a dependence on the grace and goodness of a Holy God. Part of our recognition of that dependence is to show up to praise Him as He instructs us to do.
There are things in the Christian life that can only be done in the assembly of the saints. Notice that though He loves us individually, He takes delight in His people (not His person) God likes it when we gather and worship. To those who feel they have what it takes to serve God on their own, He says, “humble yourself, assemble with the faithful, and I will crown you with victory.” I’m going to church today and hang out with the faithful as we sing His praises together. Victory cometh!
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