1. Sing a New Song to the Lord

Psalm 98 begins with a call to "sing a new song to the LORD, for He has done marvelous things" (Psalm 98:1). This is a reminder to continually refresh our worship and gratitude. Just as God’s mercies are new every morning, our praise should be vibrant and renewed. Singing a new song is not just about music; it’s about recognizing and celebrating the fresh works God is doing in our lives daily.

2. Witness His Salvation

The psalm highlights that "His right hand and holy arm have worked salvation for Him" (Psalm 98:1). This is a powerful reminder that salvation is a divine act, accomplished by God’s strength and holiness. It’s a call to witness and testify to the salvation we have received through Jesus Christ, sharing this good news with others.

3. Proclaim His Righteousness

"The LORD has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations" (Psalm 98:2). God’s righteousness is not hidden; it’s a beacon for all to see. As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects His righteousness, becoming living testimonies of His grace and truth in a world that desperately needs it.

4. Remember His Faithfulness

Psalm 98:3 reminds us that "He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel." God’s faithfulness is unwavering, and His promises are sure. In times of doubt or difficulty, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s love and faithfulness are constants in our lives, just as they were for Israel.

5. All the Earth Shouts for Joy

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth; break forth, be jubilant, and sing praises" (Psalm 98:4). This verse is a call to universal worship. It’s a reminder that joy is not just a personal experience but a communal one. Our joy in the Lord should be so contagious that it invites others to join in the celebration.

6. Use Every Instrument for Praise

The psalm encourages us to "make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing" (Psalm 98:5). This is an invitation to use all our resources and talents to glorify God. Whether through music, art, or any other gift, we are called to creatively express our worship and gratitude.

7. The Sea and All Creation Join In

"Let the sea resound, and all that fills it, the world, and all who dwell in it" (Psalm 98:7). Nature itself is a testament to God’s glory. This verse encourages us to see creation as a partner in worship, reminding us of the grandeur of God’s creation and our role in stewarding it with care and reverence.

8. Anticipate the Lord’s Coming

Psalm 98:9 speaks of the Lord coming "to judge the earth." This is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ’s return. It’s a call to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our actions today have significance in God’s eternal plan. We are to live in anticipation, preparing our hearts and lives for His coming.

9. Celebrate His Justice

"He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity" (Psalm 98:9). God’s justice is perfect and fair. In a world where justice can often seem elusive, this is a comforting assurance that God’s judgment is righteous and equitable. It’s a call to trust in His justice and to advocate for justice in our own communities.

10. Embrace the Joy of the Lord

Throughout Psalm 98, there is an overwhelming sense of joy. This joy is rooted in the knowledge of God’s salvation, righteousness, and faithfulness. As believers, we are invited to embrace this joy, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives. Joy is not just an emotion; it’s a fruit of the Spirit and a testament to the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.