Meditation

Though Lent is a penitential season, it does not have to be all doom and gloom. In Lent, we are not concerned with repentance for repentance’s sake. Instead, we can rejoice because of what is waiting for us on the other side of repentance — forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is freely given to us, and it propels us toward thanksgiving. So, it is fitting to rejoice and be glad in Lent.

Psalm 95 reminds us that we have reason to sing, rejoice, and be thankful, even in penitence. The Lord our God is this very reason. The Lord is the rock of our salvation who delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into Christ’s kingdom. The Lord is a great God and King above all gods who holds all things and created all things. 

The psalmist takes a personal turn by reflecting on the fact that this is not just any god, but this is our God. We are God’s own people who dwell in God’s pasture. In this verdant place, we are beneficiaries of God’s protection and provision. We receive nourishment from God’s fields, and our lives are sustained. We are the sheep of God’s own hand. Who can possibly separate us from that? We are God’s to have and to hold, to care for and to nourish. We are God’s to love. 

Of course the psalmist invites us to come, worship, and kneel before this God. Surely, our God is worthy of worship. Come, let us sing to the Lord and make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!