Pastor Keith reminded us through Psalm 100 of the joy we have in the Lord. The psalm begins with a call to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” and to “serve the Lord with gladness.” Our worship and our services are not meant to be empty obligations. They are a response to who God is and what He has done for us. 

     Psalm 100 reminds us that the Lord is good, that His steadfast love endures forever, and that His faithfulness continues to every generation. When we truly consider the grace, mercy, and love God has shown us, joy should naturally be a part of our lives. That does not mean that every day will be easy or that we will never face difficult circumstances. It means that even in the midst of life's challenges, we have a reason to rejoice because we belong to the Lord.

     That joy is also something we have the opportunity to share with others. People are watching how we live, especially those who are younger in the faith. Young believers need to hear what we believe, but they also need to see the difference that following Christ makes in our lives. They need to see that our faith is more than something we talk about on Sunday—it is a source of genuine hope and joy that carries into every part of our lives.