As we are closing in on the Thanksgiving holiday, we find a few more hymns listed in the THANKSGIVING section of the Glory to God Presbyterian Hymnal. One of these, Hym 657, Sing to God with Joy and Gladness, is based on Psalm 147.
The hymnal editors tell us “The five songs of praise conclude the biblical psalter (Psalms 146-150) all begin and end with ‘Hallelujah’. That ecstatic Hebrew word is expanded here into the refrain that opens and closes this paraphrase of Psalm 147, and appropriate frame for it theme of thanksgiving.”
Refrain
Sing to God with joy and gladness,
hymns and psalms of gratitude;
with the voice of praise discover
that to worship God is good.
Verse 1
God unites his scattered people,
gathers those who wandered far,
heals the hurt and broken spirits,
tending every wound and scar.
Refrain
Verse 2
Such is God’s great power and wisdom
none can calculate or tell;
keen is God to ground the wicked
and with humble folk to dwell.
Refrain
Verse 3
God, with clouds, the sky has curtained,
thus ensuring rain shall fall;
earth, responding, grows to order
food for creatures great and small.
Refrain
Verse 4
God’s discernment never favours
strength or speed to lift or move;
God delights in those who fear him,
trusting in his steadfast love.
Refrain
Prayer
As we trust in your standfast love, Dear God, let our hearts and voices soar with joy and gladness, gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving. Amen.
