Bible Simon Says
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100
SIMON SAYS
I don't want to brag, but I think I'm pretty good at Simon Says. Being Simon. I can give out commands pretty quickly and get people out even quicker. I have to admit it's one of my favorite games to play in a family setting, because I love seeing kids and parents trying to follow all those instructions.
Some people concentrate so hard, but inevitably they flinch or move the wrong way. I love watching the kids try to figure out if they "should" or "shouldn't" move. I love seeing the smiles on a kids face when they make it to the final rounds. I love watching parents get competitive and laugh at themselves when they get out.
It's so much fun.
BIBLE SIMON SAYS
There are a lot of commands in the Bible. Some about doing right, avoiding wrong, loving others, and loving God.
Psalm 100 is full of commands that instruct the reader to praise and worship the one true God. Words like:
Shout for joy
Worship the Lord
Come before him
Know that the Lord is God
Enter into his gates
Give thanks
Praise his name
Quite a list. Quite a lot to take in. But is it, really?
Take a minute to think about who God is. Think about the things He is capable of and has done. Think about the prayers He has answered in your life. Think about the times He has comforted you in your brokenness, or given you peace in a chaotic world. Think about how many times He has provided just what you needed at just the right time. Think about the people in your life that have brought you joy when you needed it the most.
Now...Shout! Worship! Come! Know! Enter! Give! And Praise!
NEXT ROUND - EVERYONE IS BACK IN
When I play Simon Says with kids, the best part of the game is when one round is over, and I get to say, "Everybody is back in!" Kids jump to their feet with a new determination to not be tricked by yours truly. (Parents are slightly less determined, but they get back up anyway 😉)
This next round of "Bible Says" is about to start, and everybody is back in. You included.
Maybe it's been a while since you gave the whole worship, thanks, and pray commands a go. You're afraid you're gonna mess it up again. Let me encourage you by says this, "Don't worry." No one gets out on this round.
If you make a mistake, just jump right back in where you left off. Are you ready?!
Bible Says,
Shout for joy to the Lord - What do you want to shout to our loving God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth?
Worship the Lord with Gladness - How can you show worship to God in a spirit of gladness?
Come before him with joyful songs - Time to crank up the music and sing your heart out.
Know that the Lord is God - Take time to think about how you belong to your loving heavenly Father!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving - Write down a list of things you are most thankful for...even the small things.
Give thanks to him - Remember that those things came from God.
Praise his name - Brag on God to someone else about what God has done for you.
Why do all these things?
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:5)
Let’s pray.
God, I come before you to praise your name. Thank you for reminding me of all the blessings in my life that come from your hand. I ask you to help me to dwell on your goodness, grace, and mercy. Help me to shout and praise your name to those who need to hear what a wonderful God you are. Thank you for being true and faithful. In Jesus name, Amen.