Psalms 100:1

 Psalms 100:1 says, A Psalm of praise.  This is called a psalm of praise, then verse one says, Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  All nations were called on to make a joyful noise unto the LORD.   Matthew Henry says that the Jewish people say this psalm was written to be sung with their thanks offerings, but it has a universal call that is not a part of their belief.  It is the gospel church that reaches all nations, and we as followers of Christ are the ones who are to sing praises to Him.  Verse two adds, Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Serving God should bring us gladness, and we should sing His praises everywhere, because wherever we are as Christians should be His court.  Verse three states, Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  In order to sing praises to God, we must first know Who He is and who we are in relationship to Him.  He is the Creator of all things, including us, and if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are the sheep of His pasture.  Like sheep, we are to depend on God as the Good Shepherd, Who provides for our needs and protection.  We are to recognize and follow His voice.  Verse four declares, Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  We are to enter into God's presence with thanksgiving and praise.  There should never be a reason for us to be complaining to or about God and His work in our life as Christians.  Verse five adds, For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.  As followers of Christ, we are to sing praises to God because of His everlasting mercy and the fact that His truth never changes.