When you have a bunch of someones striking their hands together you have a loud sound. When those someones are doing that in unison (somewhat) for a unified reason, then you have an applause. And what is an applause other than a bunch of people, in unison, showing how much they appreciate what someone(s) has done. Hmmm, strange how much this sounds like worship. After reading this, you may never look at an applause in the same way again. Sorry, well, not really actually, because it is what it is. When we applaud someone we are giving them our attention and showing them how much we value what they just did, and that is what the psalmist is doing here.

“Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” (vs 1)

And what is the reason for applause”
~ He is a great King over all the earth.
~ He has subdued peoples and nations.
~ He chose our heritage for us.
~ He reigns over the nations.
~ He sits on His holy throne.
~ The shields of earth belong to God.
~ He is highly exalted.

And when I think about all that God has done, maybe we should be applauding more often, in worship perhaps. Can you imagine hearing the Word of God read and then people bursting into applause and cheering, not because the person did such a great job but rather because it is the Word of God? How about after the sermon? Yes, I know, applauding in worship would be weird and it would look like we were praising people and not God. But maybe we need to applaud God more. The next time you notice an amazing God moment, stop and acknowledge God, and if you are so moved, applaud. I can see it now. You are driving home some evening and you see a beautiful sunset. You pull over to the side of the road. You get out and applaud. Yup, I can see it, because, well, God is worthy.

1 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! 
2 For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.

LET US PRAY: Holy and awesome God, I applaud You. I clap my hands and sing. I raise my voice and glorify You, for You are indeed a great God, worthy of all praise. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.