Psalm 100 (Enter In) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on December 4, 2017, "Psalm 100 (Enter In)" by People & Songs, featuring Charity Gayle and Joshua Sherman, offers a compelling modern expression of ancient worship. This song is more than just a musical arrangement of a Bible chapter; it's an invitation to step into the very presence of God with a specific posture of heart and voice, drawing directly from the timeless call found in Psalm 100, one of the most foundational passages on corporate worship in Scripture. The collaborative nature of People & Songs, often involving multiple voices from their community, lends itself beautifully to the communal spirit inherent in this psalm, which addresses "all the earth" (Psalm 100:1).
The song’s narrative and meaning are deeply rooted in the five short verses of Psalm 100. It captures the essence of the psalm's command to acknowledge God's sovereignty and enter His presence with specific actions. The core message revolves around the imperative to "enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4). Before reaching that point of intimate entry, the song, like the psalm, calls for a joyful noise to the Lord, serving Him with gladness, and coming before Him with singing (Psalm 100:1-2). This sequence isn't just a series of actions; it's a pathway to the divine encounter, suggesting that our approach to God is to be marked by joy, service, and vocal worship. The song effectively translates the psalm's powerful directives into a singable and accessible format, making its profound truths relatable for people today.
Analyzing the song's impact and execution reveals its effectiveness as a worship tool. Musically, it typically adopts a style that is easy to follow, often building in intensity, allowing those who are engaging with it to focus on the truth of the words rather than complex arrangements. This simplicity serves the function of worship well, enabling collective participation. Lyrically, the song directly adapts the language and themes of Psalm 100, focusing on key phrases like "Make a joyful noise," "Serve the Lord with gladness," "Know that the Lord, He is God," and the central call to "Enter In." The reiteration of these phrases is not mere repetition but a reinforcing of fundamental truths about God and our relationship to Him. The powerful declaration, "It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture" (Psalm 100:3), grounds the call to worship in the reality of God as our Creator and Shepherd, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from Isaiah 43:1 declaring God formed us, to John 10:11 where Jesus identifies as the Good Shepherd. This profound truth – that our very existence and identity are found in Him – is the motivation for the joyful response.
The instruction to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4) is central to both the psalm and the song. This isn't just about physical entry into a building, but spiritual access into God's presence, an access made possible through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). The psalm and the song emphasize the *means* of entry: thanksgiving and praise. This mirrors the scriptural principle found elsewhere, like Philippians 4:6, which encourages bringing requests to God with thanksgiving, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which calls for thankfulness in everything. Our gratitude for who God is and what He has done becomes the key that unlocks the gates to deeper communion with Him. The song captures this beautifully, creating an atmosphere of expectant gratitude.
Finally, the song concludes by declaring the enduring nature of God's character, mirroring Psalm 100:5: "For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." This declaration provides the ultimate foundation for the call to worship and thanksgiving. God's goodness is the source of all blessing (Psalm 23:6), His mercy (or steadfast love) is unending (Lamentations 3:22-23), and His faithfulness (truth) is constant through history and into the future (Psalm 89:1-2). Knowing these unchanging attributes of God inspires confidence and deepens our desire to enter His presence with joy and gratitude. "Psalm 100 (Enter In)" successfully translates this ancient, powerful call into a contemporary anthem, inviting everyone to respond to God's enduring goodness by stepping into His presence with thanksgiving and praise.
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